THE PRICE OF DESPERATION
The lounge is quiet. Warm lights glow across the room while rain taps softly against the windows.
Shayla stands nervously near the sofa, struggling to explain her situation.
SCENE 1 — INT. LOUNGE — EVENING
The lounge is quiet.
Warm lights glow across the room. Outside, rain taps softly against the windows.
SCENE 2 — INT. HALLWAY — CONTINUOUS
Anthony is standing behind the half-open door.
He has heard everything.
And now you’re asking Iman for money as well.
SCENE 3 — INT. LOUNGE — MOMENTS LATER
Shayla puts the money down on the table. Her eyes begin to fill with tears.
Shayla looks wounded. She slowly shakes her head.
“Needing help doesn’t make you weak.”
The room falls silent as the truth finally begins to come out.
SCENE 4 — INT. LOUNGE — NIGHT
The rain outside becomes heavier. Thunder rolls in the distance.
The three finally sit together and begin talking honestly.
FINAL SCENE — THE TRUTH
The money remains on the table.
Anthony looks at Shayla. His anger has slowly turned into disappointment.
I’m angry because you lied.
Shayla slowly nods.
For the first time, she understands that the real problem was never simply the money.