Larry’s House — Morning
The morning is quiet. Soft sunlight spills through the windows of Larry’s house. Everything seems normal, but there is an uneasy feeling in the air.
Bethany is moving around the living room when suddenly— KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK. Bethany stops. She looks toward the front door, confused. Another knock. Bethany slowly walks toward the door and opens it. Standing outside is Larry’s attorney. Bethany’s expression immediately changes.
BETHANY: Good morning. Can I help you?
The attorney gives Bethany a polite but serious look.
LARRY’S ATTORNEY: Good morning, Bethany. I’m actually here to see Larry.
Bethany looks behind the attorney, as if expecting someone else to be there. Larry isn’t home.
BETHANY: Larry? He’s not here right now. He went to work this morning.
The attorney pauses. She looks slightly uncomfortable.
LARRY’S ATTORNEY: I see. Is it okay if I come inside? There’s something important I need to discuss.
Bethany hesitates for a moment. Then she steps aside.
BETHANY: Sure. Come in.
The attorney walks inside. Bethany closes the door behind her. For a few seconds, neither woman says anything. The attorney looks around the house before sitting down on the couch. Bethany sits across from her. Her curiosity grows.
BETHANY: Is everything okay? You said you needed to see Larry.
The attorney takes a deep breath. She reaches into her professional folder. Bethany watches carefully. The attorney slowly pulls out a sealed envelope. Bethany’s eyes immediately fall on it.
BETHANY: What is that?
The attorney looks at her seriously.
LARRY’S ATTORNEY: These documents were prepared for Larry.
Bethany’s eyebrows rise.
BETHANY: For Larry?
The attorney nods.
LARRY’S ATTORNEY: Yes. I was supposed to personally give them to him.
Bethany looks at the envelope again. She still doesn’t understand why Larry’s attorney would come to their house so early in the morning. The attorney holds the envelope for a moment. Then she makes an unexpected decision. She extends it toward Bethany.
LARRY’S ATTORNEY: Since Larry isn’t here, I need you to have these.
Bethany slowly reaches for the envelope. She takes it from the attorney. Her expression becomes even more confused.
BETHANY: Why are you giving this to me?
The attorney remains quiet for a moment.
LARRY’S ATTORNEY: I believe you’ll understand once you see what’s inside.
Bethany looks down at the envelope. Her fingers tighten around it. She carefully opens it. She pulls out several official-looking documents. Her eyes scan the first page. Then she freezes. Her face changes. Confusion. Shock. Disbelief. The name on the document catches her attention.
She looks at the attorney.
BETHANY: What… is this?
The attorney doesn’t answer immediately. Bethany looks back at the papers. Her hands tremble slightly as she turns another page.
BETHANY: Why are these divorce papers?
The room suddenly feels silent. The attorney sits calmly across from her.
LARRY’S ATTORNEY: They were prepared for Larry.
Bethany stares at her.
BETHANY: But why would Larry need divorce papers?
The attorney chooses her words carefully.
LARRY’S ATTORNEY: I’m not here to explain Larry’s personal decisions. My responsibility was simply to deliver the documents.
Bethany shakes her head. She looks completely lost.
BETHANY: He never told me anything about this.
The attorney remains silent. Bethany looks down at the papers again. Her mind races. She starts remembering every strange conversation, every argument, and every moment when Larry seemed distant.
Suddenly— THE FRONT DOOR OPENS. Bethany quickly looks toward the hallway. The attorney turns her head. Footsteps echo through the house. Larry has returned from work. He walks through the main entrance, carrying his belongings. He seems completely unaware of what is happening inside.
LARRY: Bethany? I’m home.
No answer. Larry takes another step. Then he sees someone sitting in the living room. He stops. His eyes widen. It’s his attorney. Larry’s expression immediately changes. Shock. Confusion. Concern.
LARRY: What are you doing here?
The attorney slowly stands. Bethany remains seated, still holding the divorce papers. Larry notices the documents in her hands. His face drops. He looks at Bethany. Then at his attorney. Then back at the papers.
LARRY: Bethany…
Bethany slowly stands. Her voice is quiet, but her expression is serious.
BETHANY: Larry…
She holds up the papers.
BETHANY: What is this?
Larry doesn’t respond. The silence becomes unbearable. Bethany takes a small step toward him.
BETHANY: Your attorney came here this morning.
Larry looks at his attorney.
BETHANY: She brought these papers for you.
Larry swallows hard.
BETHANY: But she gave them to me instead.
Larry looks down. His attorney watches both of them carefully.
LARRY: Bethany, listen…
Bethany immediately interrupts him.
BETHANY: No. You listen.
Larry stops. Bethany’s eyes remain fixed on him.
BETHANY: You never told me anything about a divorce.
Larry takes a breath.
LARRY: I was going to explain.
Bethany shakes her head.
BETHANY: When?
Larry has no immediate answer. The attorney slowly steps forward.
LARRY’S ATTORNEY: Larry, perhaps this conversation should happen calmly.
Larry looks frustrated.
LARRY: I know.
Bethany looks between them. Her confusion is turning into suspicion.
BETHANY: So you both knew about this?
The attorney stays silent. Larry looks at Bethany.
LARRY: It’s not as simple as you think.
Bethany looks down at the papers. Then back at Larry.
BETHANY: Then make it simple.
Larry stands frozen near the doorway. The attorney watches him closely. Bethany waits for an explanation. For the first time, Larry realizes there is no way to avoid the conversation anymore. He slowly closes the front door behind him. The sound of the lock clicking echoes through the quiet house.
Bethany keeps the divorce papers in her hands. Larry takes a cautious step forward.
LARRY: Bethany… there’s a lot you don’t know.
Bethany’s eyes narrow.
BETHANY: Then start talking.
Larry looks at his attorney. His attorney gives him a serious look. Larry turns back toward Bethany. The room falls silent again. The divorce papers remain between them. And whatever Larry has been hiding— Bethany is finally ready to hear the truth.
Some secrets can outrun a conversation for weeks — but they can never outrun a knock at the door.