SCENE 1 — THE LIVING ROOM

The house is unusually quiet.

Brooke stands near the couch, frustrated and emotionally exhausted. Bethany watches her carefully.

I can’t stay in this house anymore.

Bethany looks up.

I want to go to Philly and be with Isaiah. I feel like I can’t breathe here anymore.

You’re not going to Philly.

Brooke stares at her, stunned.

Excuse me?

You heard me. You’re not going to Isaiah’s house.

Brooke shakes her head, becoming more frustrated.

You can’t keep deciding everything for me.

As long as you’re living under this roof, I’m going to make sure you’re making responsible decisions.

I’m not a little kid!

Then stop acting like you can run away every time you’re angry.

Brooke takes a step closer.

I’m not running away. I’m trying to get away from you.

Bethany’s expression changes.

SCENE 2 — THE ARGUMENT GETS WORSE

The tension in the room rises.

You think going to Philly is going to solve everything?

At least Isaiah listens to me.

Isaiah isn’t going to fix every problem you’re having.

Neither are you!

Bethany stands up.

Watch your attitude.

Why? Because you don’t like hearing the truth?

Bethany takes a breath, trying to remain calm.

Brooke, I’m trying to protect you.

No. You’re trying to control me.

Brooke grabs her phone from the table.

I’m going to Isaiah whether you like it or not.

No, you’re not.

Brooke turns around.

You don’t own me.

Bethany looks at her seriously.

I also know you were taking birth control pills before.

Brooke freezes.

Why are you bringing that up?

Because I’m worried about the choices you’re making.

That’s none of your business!

It becomes my business when you’re making decisions that could put you in a difficult situation.

Brooke’s frustration boils over.

You always think you’re better than everybody!

That’s enough.

No, it’s not enough! I’m tired of you!

Bethany loses her temper and slaps Brooke.

The room suddenly goes silent.

Brooke stands still, shocked by what happened. Bethany immediately realizes how serious the situation has become.

You just hit me.

Brooke…

You actually slapped me.

I’m telling Larry.

Brooke walks away, leaving Bethany standing alone.

SCENE 3 — LARRY HEARS THE NEWS

Later that day, Larry walks into the house expecting a normal evening.

Instead, he immediately notices the uncomfortable silence.

What’s going on?

You need to talk to Bethany.

Why? What happened?

We had an argument.

About what?

I wanted to go to Philly to see Isaiah.

And?

Bethany wouldn’t let me go.

Larry looks toward Bethany.

Bethany?

We got into an argument.

That’s not what I’m asking. What happened?

She slapped me.

Larry’s expression immediately changes.

You slapped Brooke?

I lost my temper.

Bethany, that’s not okay.

I know.

I understand you were angry, but you can’t put your hands on her because you don’t like what she’s saying.

She was disrespecting me.

Then walk away.

SCENE 4 — LARRY CONFRONTS BETHANY

Brooke leaves the room, giving Larry and Bethany space to talk.

I need you to understand something.

I already know I messed up.

Then don’t make excuses for it.

I was trying to stop her from making a decision she might regret.

Then you should have talked to her.

I tried.

And when she didn’t listen?

Bethany looks away.

I lost control.

That’s exactly what scares me.

What do you want me to do?

I want you to apologize to Brooke.

What if she doesn’t forgive me?

That’s her choice.

SCENE 5 — THE APOLOGY

Bethany slowly walks toward Brooke’s room and knocks.

Brooke, can I come in?

What?

I want to apologize.

There is a long pause.

I shouldn’t have hit you.

You really hurt me.

I know.

And now I don’t know if I can trust you.

I understand.

You don’t get to decide everything for me.

I know.

If you want to protect me, then talk to me. Don’t control me.

Bethany slowly nods.

You’re right.

SCENE 6 — LARRY SETS THE RULES

Larry steps forward once the conversation becomes calmer.

This is where we start over.

Nobody is leaving angry. Nobody is putting their hands on anybody. And nobody is making major decisions without talking things through.

Okay.

Okay.

And Bethany? Next time you’re angry, walk away.

I will.

And Brooke, you don’t have to agree with Bethany. But you do have to respect the conversation.

I understand.

SCENE 7 — THE UNFINISHED CONVERSATION

Later that night, Brooke sits alone with her phone in her hands.

Isaiah’s name appears on the screen.

She looks at the message but doesn’t respond.

Across the house, Bethany sits quietly, thinking about what happened.

You okay?

Not really.

Sometimes feeling bad about what you did is what makes you learn from it.

Bethany takes a deep breath.

I don’t want to become someone Brooke is afraid of.

Then show her you’re not.

The night ends without another argument.

But the tension surrounding Brooke, Isaiah, and Philly is far from over.

Larry knows this family will have to face another difficult conversation soon.