THE QUESTION LARRY CAME TO ASK

SCENE 1 — OUTSIDE ISAIAH’S HOUSE — EVENING

The evening is calm.

Larry walks toward Isaiah’s house with a serious expression on his face. He has spent the entire day thinking about what he needs to say.

He reaches the front door and knocks.

A few seconds later, Isaiah’s mother opens the door.

She looks surprised to see him.

ISAIAH’S MOM

Larry? Is everything okay?

Larry gives a small nod.

LARRY

Yes. I just need to talk to Isaiah about something important.

Isaiah’s mom studies his serious expression.

ISAIAH’S MOM

Is there a problem?

Larry takes a breath.

LARRY

Nothing bad. But I need to ask him something directly.

She steps aside and lets him in.

Larry enters the house.

SCENE 2 — INSIDE ISAIAH’S HOUSE — CONTINUOUS

Larry sits down in the living room.

Isaiah’s mother remains standing nearby.

She can tell Larry is carrying something serious on his mind.

LARRY

Could you call Isaiah for me?

Isaiah’s mom nods.

ISAIAH’S MOM

Of course.

She turns toward the hallway.

ISAIAH’S MOM

Isaiah! Larry is here. He wants to talk to you.

A few moments later, Isaiah walks into the room.

He looks surprised.

ISAIAH

Larry?

Larry stands up.

LARRY

Yeah. I came to talk to you.

Isaiah looks at his mother.

Then he looks back at Larry.

ISAIAH

About what?

Larry gestures toward the couch.

LARRY

Sit down. We need to have a serious conversation.

Isaiah slowly sits.

His mother watches them carefully.

SCENE 3 — THE DIRECT QUESTION

Larry sits across from Isaiah.

For a moment, there is silence.

Larry looks directly into Isaiah’s eyes.

LARRY

I’m going to ask you something, and I want you to give me a straight answer.

Isaiah becomes curious.

ISAIAH

Okay.

Larry leans forward.

LARRY

Do you love Brooke?

Isaiah freezes.

His mother looks surprised by the question.

Isaiah doesn’t answer immediately.

Larry waits.

LARRY

I’m serious, Isaiah.

Isaiah looks down for a moment.

ISAIAH

Why are you asking me this?

Larry remains calm.

LARRY

Because I need to know where you stand.

Isaiah looks at him.

ISAIAH

Brooke and I have been through a lot.

Larry nods.

LARRY

I know.

He pauses.

LARRY

That’s why I’m asking you directly.

Isaiah looks toward his mother.

She gives him a concerned but encouraging look.

SCENE 4 — LARRY MAKES HIS INTENTIONS CLEAR

Larry takes a deep breath.

His tone becomes even more serious.

LARRY

Listen to me carefully.

Isaiah looks at him.

LARRY

If you really care about Brooke, then don’t play games with her.

Isaiah nods slowly.

ISAIAH

I don’t want to hurt her.

Larry studies his face.

LARRY

Then tell me the truth.

A long silence fills the room.

Isaiah finally speaks.

ISAIAH

Yes.

Larry raises an eyebrow.

LARRY

Yes, what?

Isaiah takes a breath.

ISAIAH

Yes, I care about Brooke.

Larry leans back.

He looks relieved but still serious.

LARRY

That’s all I needed to hear.

Isaiah looks confused.

ISAIAH

Why?

Larry smiles slightly.

LARRY

Because if you truly want her, I’m willing to help make this relationship serious.

Isaiah’s expression changes.

ISAIAH

What do you mean?

Larry looks toward Isaiah’s mother.

Then back at Isaiah.

LARRY

I mean marriage.

Isaiah’s eyes widen.

His mother is equally surprised.

SCENE 5 — THE MARRIAGE PROPOSAL

The room becomes completely silent.

Isaiah looks at Larry as if he didn’t expect those words.

ISAIAH

Marriage?

Larry nods.

LARRY

Yes.

Isaiah’s mother slowly sits down.

ISAIAH’S MOM

Larry, you’re talking about marriage?

Larry turns toward her.

LARRY

Yes.

He speaks calmly.

LARRY

I’m not here to pressure him. I’m here because I want him to be honest about his feelings.

Isaiah looks down.

LARRY

If Isaiah truly wants Brooke, then I don’t see why they should keep going around in circles.

Isaiah looks back at Larry.

ISAIAH

But that’s a huge decision.

LARRY

I know.

Larry’s expression softens.

LARRY

That’s why I’m asking you now.

Isaiah’s mother looks at her son.

ISAIAH’S MOM

Isaiah, you don’t have to answer because someone is putting you on the spot.

Isaiah nods.

ISAIAH’S MOM

But you should be honest with yourself.

Isaiah takes a deep breath.

SCENE 6 — ISAIAH’S ANSWER

Isaiah stands and walks toward the window.

He looks outside.

His mind is racing.

He remembers Brooke.

Their arguments.

Their good moments.

The misunderstandings.

Everything they have been through.

Isaiah slowly turns around.

ISAIAH

I don’t know what the future looks like.

Larry listens carefully.

ISAIAH

But I know that Brooke means a lot to me.

Larry nods.

LARRY

That’s a start.

Isaiah looks at his mother.

ISAIAH

Mom, what do you think?

She smiles gently.

ISAIAH’S MOM

I think you need to make this decision because you want it—not because anyone tells you to.

Isaiah nods.

ISAIAH

I understand.

Larry stands.

LARRY

Then take some time.

Isaiah looks at him.

LARRY

But don’t waste Brooke’s time either.

SCENE 7 — A NEW POSSIBILITY

Larry walks toward the door.

Before leaving, he turns back.

LARRY

Isaiah.

Isaiah looks at him.

LARRY

If you really love Brooke, then be brave enough to tell her.

Isaiah nods.

ISAIAH

I will.

Larry smiles.

LARRY

Good.

Isaiah’s mother walks Larry toward the door.

ISAIAH’S MOM

That was certainly an unexpected conversation.

Larry gives a small laugh.

LARRY

Sometimes the conversations we don’t want to have are the ones we need most.

They exchange a nod.

Larry steps outside.

The door closes behind him.

SCENE 8 — ISAIAH MAKES A DECISION

Isaiah remains standing in the living room.

His mother walks back toward him.

ISAIAH’S MOM

Are you okay?

Isaiah smiles faintly.

ISAIAH

Yeah.

He looks at his phone.

Brooke’s name appears on the screen.

Isaiah stares at it.

For the first time, he doesn’t look confused.

He looks determined.

ISAIAH’S MOM

Are you going to call her?

Isaiah nods.

ISAIAH

I think it’s time.

He taps Brooke’s name.

The phone begins to ring.

Isaiah takes a deep breath.

Whatever happens next could change everything.

FADE OUT.