The house is quiet. BETHANY sits beside LARRY, trying to create a positive mood.
Larry, I really believe we can make our marriage better. We just need to communicate more and spend more time together.
Larry looks at her but says nothing.
You agree, right?
Larry pauses.
I think… we need to talk about a lot of things.
Bethany smiles, taking his words as encouragement.
See? That’s exactly what I mean. We’re going to fix this.
Larry looks away, clearly uncomfortable.
Bethany continues explaining how she wants their relationship to change.
I know things haven’t been perfect, but I’m willing to change. I’m willing to do whatever it takes.
Larry listens silently. His facial expression changes, as if he’s heard these promises before.
Why are you looking at me like that?
I’m just listening.
You don’t believe me?
Larry doesn’t answer.
Bethany moves closer.
Larry, do you even want this marriage anymore?
Larry freezes for a moment.
Why would you ask me that?
Because every time I talk about making things better, you never say yes or no.
Larry looks down.
Bethany, it’s complicated.
No. It’s not. You either want this or you don’t.
Larry remains silent.
Later that night, Larry stands alone in the hallway.
He pulls out his phone and looks at a message he hasn’t sent. His finger hovers over the screen.
Larry deletes it. He takes a deep breath.
Not tonight.
The next morning, Bethany walks into the kitchen with a notebook.
I made a plan for us.
A plan?
Date nights. More communication. Less arguing. I want us to become close again.
Larry stares at the notebook.
Larry, I’m serious. I’m trying to save us.
Larry finally looks directly at her.
I know you are.
Bethany notices something different about Larry.
Then tell me the truth.
Larry hesitates.
If you’re unhappy, tell me.
Larry looks like he’s about to speak. But he stops.
I don’t want to hurt you.
Bethany’s smile disappears.
Not telling me is going to hurt me even more.
Bethany walks into her bedroom and closes the door. She sits on the edge of the bed, thinking about Larry’s behavior.
Why won’t he just tell me what he wants?
Meanwhile, Larry sits alone downstairs.
He looks at his phone again. This time, he opens a conversation with a lawyer. He doesn’t send anything.
Bethany comes downstairs.
Larry, I need an honest answer.
Larry looks up.
Are you planning something behind my back?
Larry is silent.
If you’re thinking about leaving this marriage, I deserve to know.
Larry takes a deep breath.
I should have talked to you sooner.
Bethany’s eyes widen.
I’ve been unhappy for a while.
Bethany looks devastated.
And you couldn’t tell me?
I didn’t know how.
You could have warned me. You could have told me you were thinking about divorce.
Larry lowers his head.
You’re right. I should have been honest with you.
Instead, you let me believe we were fixing everything.
Larry doesn’t argue.
Bethany wipes away her tears.
Whatever happens next, don’t surprise me with it.
I won’t.
If you want to end this marriage, tell me. If you want to try, tell me. But don’t leave me guessing.
Larry looks at her.
For the first time, he doesn’t avoid the conversation.
You deserve to know the truth.
Bethany nods slowly.
The two sit in silence, realizing that their marriage has reached a moment where neither of them can hide behind silence anymore.