The house is quiet.
Shayla walks into the living room and sees her mother sitting on the couch. Her mother looks tired and frustrated.
Shayla sits beside her, sensing that something is wrong.
Mom, I need to ask you something about Anthony.
What do you want to know?
What has Anthony been saying about me?
Anthony has been saying a lot of things lately. And honestly, Shayla, I don’t even know where to start.
Just tell me the truth. What did he say about me?
He talked about everything that’s been happening between us. He knows there has been tension, and he isn’t happy about the situation.
Did he say whether he’s willing to give me money?
That’s the part that’s complicated.
What do you mean?
Anthony was talking about bringing the bill so he could give you the money.
So he was actually planning to give me something?
That’s what he made it sound like. But things changed.
Because of D’Nisha?
Yes. D’Nisha has a lot of influence over Anthony right now, and she’s making everything more difficult.
I knew it.
Anthony isn’t willing to pay you the way he was talking about before. At least not right now.
So D’Nisha is the reason Anthony changed his mind?
That’s how it looks.
Anthony and D’Nisha kicked me out of the house.
They kicked you out?
Yes.
Mom, why didn’t you tell me?
Because I didn’t want you getting involved in another argument with Anthony.
But you shouldn’t have had to leave like that.
I know. But Anthony was angry, and D’Nisha wasn’t helping the situation.
A tense silence fills the room.
So Anthony is angry with you, he’s listening to D’Nisha, and now he’s refusing to give me the money?
That’s basically where things stand.
This is getting ridiculous.
That’s why you need to be careful.
What am I supposed to do?
Invite Anthony here.
Invite Anthony to my house?
Yes. Because talking face-to-face might be better than arguing through other people.
You need to calm him down. Don’t start the conversation by demanding money.
Then what should I say?
Remind him of how he used to behave.
You mean remind him of the way he treated us before?
Exactly. Tell him that you remember the times when he cared about the family.
Maybe that will make him listen.
That’s the idea.
I’ll call him.
Wait. Don’t sound angry. If he hears anger in your voice, he’ll shut down before you even get a chance to explain.
Okay. I’ll keep calm.
She unlocks her phone.
Anthony sits in the living room.
D’Nisha is nearby, going through her phone.
Anthony’s phone suddenly rings.
Hello?
Shayla sits across from her mother.
Anthony, it’s me.
I know.
I wanted to talk to you.
About what?
About everything that’s been happening.
Shayla, I don’t want another argument.
Neither do I.
That’s why I’m asking you to come over. Please. Just come over and talk to me.
D’Nisha looks over at Anthony.
Who is it?
Shayla.
What does she want?
She wants me to come over.
You don’t have to go.
Anthony looks conflicted.
A knock comes from the front door.
Shayla and her mother exchange a nervous glance.
Shayla walks toward the door and opens it.
Anthony stands outside. He looks serious.
Thank you for coming.
You said you wanted to talk.
I do.
They sit down.
Anthony, I know things have changed. But I don’t want us to keep fighting.
I remember how you used to handle things. You used to sit down and listen before making decisions.
Anthony looks at her.
That’s the Anthony I remember.
His expression softens slightly.
I’m not here to attack you. I’m asking you to remember who you were before all this anger took over.
Anthony looks down.
For the first time that evening, he seems willing to listen.
Shayla’s mother watches from across the room.
The conversation is far from over.
But at least Anthony has finally stopped walking away.