1. A Quiet Night
FADE IN: INT. LARRY AND BETHANY’S BEDROOM – LATE NIGHT. The room is quiet. Larry is fast asleep on the bed, exhausted after a long day.
Bethany lies awake beside him, restless and emotional. She looks toward Larry, hoping he will wake up.
She gently touches his shoulder.
2. Bethany Wakes Larry
BETHANY
Larry… wake up.
Larry slowly opens his eyes, still half-asleep.
LARRY
What’s wrong?
Bethany hesitates, struggling to explain how she feels.
BETHANY
I don’t know… I’m just feeling really restless tonight. I need some attention from you.
Larry turns over, clearly tired.
LARRY
Bethany, not tonight. I’m exhausted. Please let me sleep.
3. Bethany Feels Hurt
Bethany’s expression falls. She sits quietly on the edge of the bed, hurt by his response.
BETHANY
Of course. Whenever I need you, you never seem to understand me.
LARRY
It’s not about understanding you. I’m just tired. We can talk tomorrow.
Bethany shakes her head.
BETHANY
My luck is always terrible. The one time I want you to listen to me, you don’t even care.
4. Old Promises
LARRY
That’s not fair.
Bethany turns toward him, her frustration growing.
BETHANY
Before we got married, you made so many promises to me.
Larry sits up slowly.
LARRY
Yes, I made promises. But I also told you that things would be on my terms when it came to our home and our life together.
BETHANY
You remember the things you wanted me to remember, but you forget everything you promised me.
5. Bethany Questions Everything
LARRY
I haven’t forgotten anything.
Bethany’s eyes begin to fill with tears.
BETHANY
Then why does it feel like you have?
Larry watches her carefully. Bethany wipes her eyes but continues.
BETHANY
I respect you more than anyone. I’ve always tried to put you first. I even respected your brothers and your family because they matter to you.
BETHANY
But somehow, I still feel like I’m never enough for you.
6. Sharra and Lynette
LARRY
Bethany, this isn’t about you not being enough.
BETHANY
Then what is it about?
A long silence fills the room. Bethany finally says what has been bothering her.
BETHANY
You always put Sharra and Lynette before me.
Larry’s expression immediately changes. He gets out of bed and stands a few feet away from her.
LARRY
Why are you bringing Sharra and Lynette into this?
BETHANY
Because that’s how I feel!
7. Bethany Wants To Matter
LARRY
You don’t get to turn every disagreement into a comparison with them.
Bethany stands as well.
BETHANY
I’m your wife, Larry. I just want to feel like I matter to you.
Larry takes a breath, trying to control his anger.
LARRY
You do matter to me. But that doesn’t mean I have to agree with everything you say or do.
BETHANY
I just want you to understand how lonely I feel standing next to you.
8. The Argument Gets Deeper
LARRY
And I want you to understand that I can’t fix every feeling you have.
BETHANY
Then tell me what I’m supposed to do.
Larry doesn’t answer immediately. The silence between them becomes heavier.
BETHANY
I don’t want to fight with you. I just want my husband to hear me.
LARRY
I hear you.
BETHANY
No… you’re listening, but you’re not hearing me.
9. Walking Away
Larry clenches his jaw, clearly upset by the accusation.
LARRY
Enough, Bethany.
Bethany freezes. For a moment, neither of them speaks. Larry realizes the argument is getting out of control and steps back.
LARRY
I’m angry right now, and I don’t want us to say things we can’t take back.
BETHANY
Maybe that’s the problem. You always walk away when things get difficult.
LARRY