reh ) Larry Is Ready to End His Marriage — Until His Daughters Beg Him Not to LeaveBethany Admits Her Mistakes and Larry Decides to Try Again

SCENE 1 — INT. BETHANY AND LARRY’S HOUSE — EVENING

Bethany sits across from Larry in the living room. She looks nervous, but there is determination in her eyes.

Larry sits with his arms crossed, clearly exhausted from the tension that has filled their home for so long.

Bethany takes a slow breath before speaking.

Larry, I need you to listen to me before you make any final decision.

Larry looks at her but says nothing.

I know we’ve been fighting a lot. I know things between us haven’t been good lately. But I still believe we can fix this.

She pauses, trying to hold back her emotions.

I want us to go to marriage counseling. We need someone who can help us understand each other and work through everything we’ve been fighting about.

Larry shakes his head.

Bethany, I don’t want counseling.

Bethany looks surprised by how quickly he responds.

Why not? We’re not asking for anything impossible. We could sit down with someone and actually talk about our problems without yelling at each other.

Larry looks down for a moment.

Because I’m tired.

His voice is calm, but his words carry weight.

I’m tired of the arguments. I’m tired of coming home and knowing we’re going to end up fighting about something.

Bethany’s expression falls.

Then that’s exactly why we need help.

Larry looks toward her.

Please, Larry. Don’t give up on us just because things have become difficult.

Larry remains silent.

SCENE 2 — INT. LIVING ROOM — CONTINUOUS

Bethany moves closer but keeps a respectful distance.

Her voice becomes softer.

We have a family. We have built so much together.

She looks toward the hallway where Brooke and Sharra’s rooms are located.

Please think about everything we’ve shared before you decide that our marriage is over.

Larry slowly stands.

I’ve thought about it.

Bethany looks up at him.

I’ve thought about it more than you realize.

Bethany’s eyes become emotional.

Then give us another chance.

Larry takes a deep breath.

Bethany, I don’t want another argument. I don’t want another conversation that turns into a fight.

He pauses.

I’ve made up my mind.

Bethany freezes.

What are you saying?

I want to separate.

The room suddenly feels silent.

Bethany struggles to process his words.

Larry…

I’m completely tired of everything.

Bethany wipes away a tear.

Please don’t leave me.

Larry looks away.

At least think about our family before you make this decision.

I already have.

SCENE 3 — INT. LIVING ROOM — MOMENTS LATER

Larry reaches toward the table.

Bethany watches nervously.

Where are the divorce papers?

Bethany’s face changes immediately.

You really want to do this?

Yes.

You’re absolutely serious?

Larry nods.

I’m serious.

Bethany looks devastated.

I don’t want our marriage to end like this.

Larry says nothing.

At that moment, footsteps can be heard from the hallway.

Brooke and Sharra have heard enough.

They enter the room together.

Dad?

Larry turns around.

Sharra looks at her father with tears in her eyes.

Are you really leaving Mom?

Larry is caught off guard.

Girls, this is between your mother and me.

But you’re our dad.

Sharra looks at Larry.

And she’s our mom.

Larry’s expression softens.

SCENE 4 — INT. LIVING ROOM — CONTINUOUS

Brooke takes a breath.

If you leave Mom, then we’ll leave you too.

Larry looks stunned.

Sharra nods through her emotions.

We don’t want to lose either of you.

Larry looks at both of his daughters.

For the first time that evening, his confidence begins to disappear.

He looks toward Bethany.

Then back at Brooke and Sharra.

You two shouldn’t have to choose between us.

Then don’t make us.

Larry lowers his head.

The room becomes completely quiet.

Bethany watches him carefully.

She realizes that Larry’s decision is not something she can simply dismiss anymore.

SCENE 5 — INT. LIVING ROOM — LATER

Larry sits back down.

The divorce papers are placed on the table.

Bethany looks at them but does not touch them.