The Price of a Promise
The room is quiet. Larry sits on the couch, looking through some papers.
Bethany walks in slowly. She looks nervous, but determined.
She stops in front of Larry.
I need to ask you for something.
Larry looks up, immediately cautious.
What is it?
Bethany takes a breath.
I need money.
Larry’s expression hardens.
For what?
Bethany sits across from him.
I want to move forward with Greg’s court case.
Larry shakes his head.
Bethany, we’ve already talked about this. I’m not giving you money for another court battle.
Bethany looks disappointed.
Larry, please. This case matters to me.
And I’ve told you my answer.
Larry puts the papers down.
You keep asking me to pay for things, and every time I do, there’s another problem waiting around the corner.
Bethany looks down at her hands.
For a moment, neither of them speaks.
Then Bethany quietly changes the subject.
You know what hurts the most?
Larry looks at her.
What?
Bethany’s voice becomes emotional.
I went through surgery, Larry.
Larry remains silent.
I did something huge to change my life, and Greg hasn’t even come to see me.
Larry’s expression changes slightly.
Bethany continues.
Not once.
She looks toward Larry, clearly hurt.
He hasn’t even shown up to see how I’m doing.
Larry leans back, listening.
And after everything I’ve been through, I realized something.
Larry waits.
What did you realize?
Bethany wipes away a tear.
Maybe I shouldn’t keep fighting this case.
Larry looks surprised.
What are you saying?
I’m saying… I don’t want to continue the case against him anymore.
Larry studies her face.
You’re serious?
Bethany nods.
Yes.
A long silence fills the room.
Bethany looks down.
If Greg cared about me, he would’ve come to see me.
Her voice cracks.
I didn’t expect him to fix everything. I just expected him to be there.
Larry’s anger begins to fade.
He looks at Bethany with concern.
Bethany…
She interrupts him.
I don’t want to beg anyone to care about me anymore.
Larry takes a slow breath.
That’s why I’m asking you for the money.
Larry looks confused.
You just said you’re not continuing the case.
I’m not.
She looks directly at him.
But I still have expenses. And after everything I’ve been through, I need some help.
Larry looks away, thinking.
Bethany waits quietly.
I’m not asking you to do this because you agree with everything I’ve done.
Larry looks back at her.
I’m asking because I need you right now.
Larry’s expression softens.
You should have told me that from the beginning.
Bethany gives him a small, emotional smile.
Would you have listened?
Larry pauses.
Probably not.
Bethany almost laughs through her tears.
The tension in the room finally breaks.
Larry reaches for his wallet.
Bethany watches him carefully.
How much do you need?
Bethany hesitates.
Enough to handle what I need to take care of.
Larry nods.
I’ll help you.
Bethany looks surprised.
Really?
Larry nods again.
Yes.
Bethany’s eyes fill with relief.
Thank you, Larry.
Larry hands her the money.
But promise me something.
Bethany looks at him.
What?
Don’t make another decision just because you’re trying to get someone’s attention.
Bethany becomes quiet.
His words hit her deeply.
If Greg didn’t come to see you, that’s his choice.
Larry pauses.
Don’t let his choice control your life.
Bethany looks down at the money in her hands.
I know.
Larry sits back.
And if you’ve really decided to stop the case, make sure that’s what you want.
Bethany nods.
I think it is.
She takes a deep breath.
I was so focused on making Greg pay for everything that I forgot to ask myself what I actually wanted.
Larry gives her a thoughtful look.
Then maybe this is your chance to start over.
Bethany looks toward the window.
Outside, the evening sky is getting darker.
Maybe you’re right.
Larry stands.
Whatever happens next, don’t expect someone else to make you feel important.
Bethany looks at him.
You have to decide that for yourself.
Bethany nods slowly.
Thank you for helping me.
Larry gives her a reassuring look.
Just be careful with what you choose next.
Bethany stands and holds the money tightly.
For the first time that evening, she looks calmer.
She walks toward the door.
Before leaving, she turns around.
Larry?
Yeah?
I really thought Greg would come.
Larry doesn’t answer immediately.
He knows there is nothing he can say that will erase her disappointment.
Sometimes people show us who they are when we need them most.
Bethany absorbs his words.
She slowly nods.
I guess I finally understand that.
She walks out.
Larry watches her leave, concerned but hopeful.
Bethany steps outside.
She stops on the porch and looks down at the money in her hand.
Her phone is silent.
No message from Greg.
No missed call.
Nothing.
Bethany takes a deep breath and puts the phone away.
She looks ahead.
This time, she isn’t waiting for Greg.
She starts walking.