Larry’s House — Morning
Soft morning light enters through the windows. The house is unusually quiet.
Larry stands near the doorway, holding a small black bag. His expression is serious, and his thoughts seem carefully organized.
His wife enters the room, visibly uncertain about what the day will bring. Larry avoids her eyes.
WIFE: Are we really going to the counselor today?
Larry gives a brief nod.
LARRY: Yes. We need to talk about everything.
The wife takes a deep breath. She picks up her purse. Neither of them says anything else. They leave the house together.
Marriage Counselor’s Office — Day
Larry and his wife arrive outside a quiet office building. Larry looks at the sign above the entrance. For a moment, he checks the black bag in his hand. His plan is still hidden inside.
The wife notices his expression.
WIFE: Larry, you seem nervous.
Larry forces a calm expression.
LARRY: I’m fine. Let’s just go inside.
They enter.
Inside the Counselor’s Office
The counselor sits behind a desk. Larry and his wife sit across from her. The counselor opens a notebook.
COUNSELOR: Before we begin, I want both of you to be honest. A marriage cannot improve if neither person is willing to communicate.
Larry shifts uncomfortably in his chair. His wife looks toward him, hoping he will respond.
Larry reaches into his pocket and quietly places some money on the counselor’s desk. The counselor looks surprised.
COUNSELOR: What is this?
Larry leans forward.
LARRY: I need you to understand something. I’m not here because I want to repair this relationship.
His wife immediately looks at him.
WIFE: What are you saying?
Larry continues.
LARRY: I have already made my decision. I want to marry Denny.
The room becomes completely silent. The wife stares at Larry, struggling to process his words.
The counselor slowly closes her notebook.
COUNSELOR: Larry, if that is truly how you feel, then we need to discuss the consequences of ending your marriage.
Larry looks increasingly tense.
COUNSELOR: You cannot simply ignore the problems between you two. If you have decided that you no longer want this marriage, then you need to handle the situation responsibly.
Larry rubs his forehead. His plan suddenly feels more complicated than he expected.
The Weight of the Room
The counselor continues speaking calmly.
COUNSELOR: Both of you have to understand that staying together without trust or commitment will only create more conflict.
Larry looks toward his wife. She remains silent. Her eyes are filled with disappointment.
Larry reaches down and opens his black bag. He pulls out a folder. He places it on the table. The wife looks at it. Her expression changes when she sees the papers.
WIFE: What are those?
Larry slides the folder toward her.
LARRY: Divorce papers.
The wife freezes.
WIFE: You brought these here?
Larry nods.
LARRY: Yes.
She slowly touches the folder but does not open it.
LARRY: Sign them and let me move on.
The counselor watches both of them carefully.
COUNSELOR: If Larry has made a final decision about ending the marriage, then you both need to discuss the legal process properly. This should not be handled impulsively.
Larry becomes frustrated.
LARRY: I’ve already made my decision.
The counselor maintains a calm tone.
COUNSELOR: Then you need to accept that ending a marriage is a serious decision. You should both understand what signing those documents means before anything becomes final.
The wife looks at Larry.
WIFE: Why are you doing this?
Larry looks away.
LARRY: Because I’m tired of everything between us.
The words hurt her. She lowers her eyes.
Anger and Exhaustion
The atmosphere becomes heavier. The counselor places her hands together on the desk.
COUNSELOR: You cannot force someone into a decision. She needs time to understand what she is signing.
Larry exhales sharply.
LARRY: I just want this marriage to end.
The wife looks at him with disbelief.
WIFE: I never thought you would bring divorce papers here.
Larry remains silent.
COUNSELOR: Larry, you need to remain calm. Anger will not solve this.
Larry stands and takes a few steps across the room. He looks out the window. His frustration is obvious.
LARRY: I don’t know what else to do.
The counselor responds firmly.
COUNSELOR: You can explain your decision without pressuring her.
Larry turns around.
LARRY: I’m tired. I want to move forward with my life.
His wife wipes away a tear. She looks down at the papers again.
A Difficult Question
The counselor gives the wife some space. Larry sits quietly across from her. The folder remains between them.
WIFE: Do you really want me to sign these?
Larry takes a moment before answering.
LARRY: Yes.
She looks at him.
WIFE: And there is nothing I can say that will change your mind?
Larry shakes his head.
LARRY: No.
She takes a long breath. The counselor speaks gently.
COUNSELOR: Take your time. Make sure you understand the documents before signing anything.
The wife opens the folder. She reads the pages slowly. Her hands tremble slightly. Larry watches from across the room. For once, he says nothing.
The wife reaches for the pen. She hesitates.
WIFE: I never wanted things to end like this.
Larry remains quiet. She looks at him one final time. Then she signs the papers.
The Signed Papers
The signed papers rest on the desk. The wife slowly puts the pen down. She looks exhausted. Under her breath, she begins muttering.
WIFE: I gave everything to this marriage… I never imagined it would end this way.
Larry looks at the papers. His expression is difficult to read.
The counselor gathers the documents carefully.
COUNSELOR: Whatever happens next, both of you should handle it respectfully and through the proper legal process.
The wife stands. She picks up her purse. Larry remains seated for a moment. The silence between them feels heavier than any argument.
Finally, Larry stands. They walk toward the door separately.
Fade Out
The sun is beginning to set. Larry steps outside first. His wife follows a few seconds later. They stand several feet apart. Neither knows what to say.
Larry looks at the road ahead. His wife looks down at the ground. The counselor watches them from the office window.
Larry finally walks away. His wife remains standing for a moment. She looks back at the office, then at the papers in her hand. She quietly whispers to herself.
WIFE: I never wanted to lose you.
She takes a slow breath. Then she turns and walks in the opposite direction. The street grows quiet. The marriage counselor closes the office door.
She stands alone outside the office with the signed papers in her hand, watching Larry walk away, still whispering the words he never answered.