The Hospital
The hospital corridor is unusually quiet. Bethany lies in a hospital room, surrounded by medical equipment. Her family has just learned that she developed an infection following her weight-loss surgery.
Bethany’s dad stands outside the room, staring through the glass. His expression changes from worry to anger. He clenches his fists, trying to control his emotions.
BETHANY’S DAD: She’s in the hospital because of that surgery…
He takes a deep breath.
BETHANY’S DAD: And Charlotte knew everything.
He turns away from the room and walks quickly down the hallway. His mind is made up. He needs answers. And he knows exactly where to find them.
Charlotte’s Office
Charlotte sits at her desk, looking through paperwork. The office is calm. Suddenly, the door swings open. Charlotte looks up, startled. Bethany’s dad walks inside. His face is filled with anger.
CHARLOTTE: Mr. Newburger? What are you doing here?
He doesn’t answer immediately. He walks toward her desk and stops in front of her.
BETHANY’S DAD: I just came from the hospital.
Charlotte’s expression changes.
CHARLOTTE: Is Bethany okay?
Bethany’s dad gives her a cold look.
BETHANY’S DAD: Don’t pretend you care now.
Charlotte slowly stands.
CHARLOTTE: What happened?
BETHANY’S DAD: My daughter is in the hospital.
Charlotte freezes.
BETHANY’S DAD: She had that weight-loss surgery, and now she has an infection because of it.
Charlotte looks shocked.
CHARLOTTE: I didn’t know it had gotten this serious.
Bethany’s dad shakes his head.
BETHANY’S DAD: You didn’t know?
His voice rises.
BETHANY’S DAD: You knew exactly what was happening.
Charlotte tries to respond, but he doesn’t let her finish.
The Confrontation
Bethany’s dad points toward the office door.
BETHANY’S DAD: You need to get out.
Charlotte stares at him.
CHARLOTTE: What?
BETHANY’S DAD: You heard me.
He takes another step forward.
BETHANY’S DAD: Get out of this building.
Charlotte looks around, confused and embarrassed.
CHARLOTTE: You can’t just walk into my office and tell me to leave.
BETHANY’S DAD: I can when my daughter is lying in a hospital bed.
The room becomes silent. Charlotte lowers her voice.
CHARLOTTE: I never wanted anything like this to happen to Bethany.
BETHANY’S DAD: But it did happen.
He looks directly at her.
BETHANY’S DAD: And now you’re going to answer for your decisions.
Charlotte’s eyes fill with concern.
CHARLOTTE: What do you want me to do?
Bethany’s dad points toward the door again.
BETHANY’S DAD: Leave this office.
A long silence follows.
BETHANY’S DAD: You have no place in this building anymore.
Charlotte looks down. For the first time, she realizes how serious the situation has become.
The Ultimatum
Charlotte slowly sits back down.
CHARLOTTE: This is my job. You can’t simply take that away from me.
Bethany’s dad places his hands on the desk.
BETHANY’S DAD: Your job?
He shakes his head.
BETHANY’S DAD: My daughter is fighting through a serious complication, and you’re worried about your job?
Charlotte looks hurt.
CHARLOTTE: That’s not fair.
BETHANY’S DAD: Fair?
His voice becomes firm.
BETHANY’S DAD: Nothing about this is fair.
He takes a breath before continuing.
BETHANY’S DAD: My daughter trusted the people around her. Now she’s paying the price.
Charlotte doesn’t respond.
BETHANY’S DAD: So here’s what happens next.
Charlotte looks up.
BETHANY’S DAD: You resign.
Charlotte’s eyes widen.
CHARLOTTE: You want me to resign?
BETHANY’S DAD: Yes.
He pauses.
BETHANY’S DAD: And don’t expect a single penny from me.
Charlotte stands again.
CHARLOTTE: You’re really going to do this?
BETHANY’S DAD: I’m not doing this to you.
He points toward the hallway.
BETHANY’S DAD: You brought this on yourself.
Charlotte’s Shock
Charlotte walks toward the window. She looks down at the street below. Her confidence is gone.
CHARLOTTE: I never thought it would come to this.
Bethany’s dad remains standing behind her.
BETHANY’S DAD: Neither did I.
Charlotte turns around.
CHARLOTTE: Is Bethany going to be okay?
For a moment, Bethany’s dad says nothing. His anger briefly gives way to fear.
BETHANY’S DAD: I don’t know.
Charlotte’s expression softens.
CHARLOTTE: I’m sorry.
Bethany’s dad looks away.
BETHANY’S DAD: Sorry isn’t enough right now.
Charlotte slowly nods.
The Final Warning
Bethany’s dad walks toward the door. Before leaving, he turns around one last time.
BETHANY’S DAD: I’m going back to the hospital.
Charlotte watches him silently.
BETHANY’S DAD: My daughter needs her family right now.
He pauses.
BETHANY’S DAD: So don’t make this harder for her.
Charlotte remains frozen in place. Bethany’s dad opens the door.
BETHANY’S DAD: Submit your resignation.
Charlotte looks at him.
CHARLOTTE: And if I don’t?
Bethany’s dad gives her a serious look.
BETHANY’S DAD: Then you’ll have to explain your decisions yourself.
He walks out. The door closes behind him. Charlotte stands alone in the office. She looks at the paperwork on her desk. Then at the resignation letter sitting nearby. Her hands tremble slightly as she reaches for it.
Back at the Hospital
Bethany’s dad returns to the hospital. He walks toward Bethany’s room and stops outside. Through the glass, he sees his daughter resting. His anger disappears for a moment. All that remains is a worried father hoping his daughter will recover.
He quietly places his hand against the glass.
BETHANY’S DAD: I’m here, Bethany.
He takes a breath.
BETHANY’S DAD: I’m not going anywhere.
The camera slowly pulls back from the hospital room.