LARRY SNAPS AT BETHANY — “I’M DONE! I’M LEAVING THIS HOUSE!”

The house is filled with tension. A half-empty glass sits on the coffee table. LARRY stands near the window, frustrated. BETHANY enters the living room.

Larry? What’s wrong with you now?

What’s wrong with me? You’re seriously asking me that question?

You’ve been walking around this house all evening with an attitude. If something is bothering you, just say it.

I’m tired, Bethany. I’m tired of all this drama, all these arguments, and everybody constantly making my life miserable.

Nobody is making your life miserable, Larry. You’re the one who keeps acting like everyone is against you.

There! That’s exactly what I’m talking about! No matter what I say, somehow I’m always the problem!

Because you never want to listen. Every time someone tries to talk to you, you get angry.

I want some peace! I wake up every morning hoping that maybe today will be different, but it never happens. Never!

So now you’re blaming me for everything?

What do you want from me, Bethany? What exactly do you want me to say? Because honestly, I don’t even know anymore!

Bethany picks up her phone and shakes her head. Larry’s frustration grows.

Unbelievable. You’re acting like you’re the only person in this house who has problems.

Every single time I try to explain myself, you turn it into another argument. I’m telling you how I feel, and instead of listening, you keep pushing me!

You get upset, shut everybody out, and then expect the whole world to understand you.

I have tried to deal with everything! I’ve tried to keep this situation together, but I’m reaching my limit!

So what are you saying? You’re just going to give up?

Maybe giving up is the only way I can finally get some peace.

Larry turns toward the hallway. Bethany follows him. He stops and faces her.

I’m leaving.

What?

You heard me. I’m leaving this house. I’m not staying here anymore.

Are you serious right now?

Dead serious.

Larry enters the bedroom, pulls out a travel bag, and begins packing his clothes. Bethany follows, growing increasingly worried.

Larry, put that bag down and talk to me!

I’ve done enough talking!

You cannot just walk out in the middle of an argument!

Why not? Everybody else gets to say whatever they want to me, but the moment I decide I’ve had enough, suddenly I’m the bad guy!

I’m tired of this house. I’m tired of the arguments. I’m tired of feeling like I can’t breathe without somebody making another problem for me. I can’t keep doing this!

Then take a break. Go outside. Drive around for a while if you need to. But don’t pack your things and walk out like this!

I don’t even know how to explain it anymore. I just know that if I stay here right now, I’m going to lose my mind.

The room falls silent. Larry closes his bag. Bethany watches him, hurt and confused.

So you’re really going to leave me here?

Bethany, this isn’t about trying to hurt you. I need space. I need time away from all this noise because I can’t think straight anymore.

And what happens after you leave? What am I supposed to tell people?

I don’t care what people think right now! For once, can I do something for myself without worrying about everybody else’s opinions?

You could have told me you were feeling this bad.

I have tried telling you. Maybe you didn’t hear me because we were both too busy being angry.

Larry, please. Don’t do this.

I’m sorry, Bethany. But I need to go.

Larry walks toward the front door carrying his bag. Bethany steps in front of him.

If you walk out that door, don’t expect me to pretend that nothing happened.

I’m not asking you to pretend anything. I’m asking you to let me leave before this gets any worse.

And you think leaving is going to fix everything?

No. But staying here and fighting with you isn’t fixing anything either.

I’m done arguing for tonight. I’m done trying to explain myself while we’re both angry. I need some peace, Bethany. I need to clear my head. Because the way things are going, I’m telling you right now, I’m going to lose my mind!

Then go, Larry. If that’s what you really want, then go.

I never wanted things to get this bad between us. But I can’t keep pretending that everything is fine when it isn’t.

I hope you find whatever peace you’re looking for.

I hope we both do.

Larry reaches his car and puts his bag in the back seat. Through the living room window, he sees Bethany standing alone. Regret crosses his face.

Larry gets into the driver’s seat, starts the engine, and looks toward the house one last time before pulling out of the driveway.

Inside, Bethany watches the headlights disappear down the street. The engine fades. Then there is nothing but silence.

Bethany slowly closes the front door and leans against it, struggling to hold back her tears. She walks toward the couch and sits down.

(Whispering) Why did it have to come to this?

Meanwhile, Larry drives through the quiet streets, trying to calm his thoughts. His phone lights up with a message from Bethany.

BETHANY’S MESSAGE: I never wanted you to feel like you had to leave.

Larry reads the message twice. His expression softens, but he doesn’t reply. He places the phone face down on the passenger seat and continues driving.

Both of them are hurting. Both have things left unsaid. And neither knows what tomorrow will bring.