TORN
Amber offers everything she has left to give — and Anthony tears it apart.
Warm afternoon light fills the room. Amber sits on the couch, staring at the floor — serious, but with quiet determination. Dave stands near the window, watching her carefully.
I’ve made my decision, Dave.
What decision?
Amber takes a deep breath.
I’m willing to take less than fifty percent from Anthony if that’s what it takes to finally get this divorce.
Less than fifty percent?
Yes. I don’t want to keep fighting with Anthony forever. I just want this marriage to end.
Dave walks closer and sits across from her.
Are you sure about this, Amber?
I’m sure. I know I could ask for more, but at this point, getting my freedom matters more to me than fighting over everything Anthony owns.
Dave studies her face. After a moment, he nods.
Then I respect your decision. But if you’re serious about ending this, we need to move quickly.
What should I do?
I’ll have the divorce papers prepared today. Go to Anthony’s house today. Give him the papers yourself.
And if he refuses?
Then we’ll deal with that when it happens.
Amber stands, picks up her purse, ready to face Anthony one more time.
Dave sits behind his desk, papers spread neatly across the table. He carefully reviews the divorce documents before placing them inside a folder. Amber stands nearby.
Everything is ready?
Everything.
He hands it to her.
Take these to Anthony.
Amber accepts the folder. For a moment, she looks nervous.
I don’t know how he’s going to react.
Whatever he says, stay calm. You’ve already made your decision. Don’t let his reaction change it.
Okay.
She turns toward the door.
Amber.
She stops.
Good luck.
Amber gives him a small nod and leaves.
Anthony is sitting in the living room, scrolling through his phone. The doorbell rings.
Who is it?
Amber’s voice comes from outside.
It’s me.
Anthony’s expression immediately changes. He gets up and opens the door. Amber stands there holding the folder. They stare at each other. The silence is uncomfortable.
Why are you here?
I came to talk about the divorce.
I already told you I’m not interested in this conversation.
Amber steps inside.
Anthony, please just listen to me. I’m not here to fight with you.
She places the folder on the table.
I’m here because I want this marriage to end.
What is this?
The divorce papers.
Anthony slowly picks up the folder, opens it. His eyes move across the pages. Amber watches him carefully.
I’m not asking for everything. I’m even willing to take less than fifty percent if that’s what it takes to settle this peacefully.
You’re willing to take less?
Yes.
And you expect me to sign these?
I just want us to move forward separately.
Anthony’s expression becomes colder. He looks at the papers again. Then suddenly — he tears the divorce papers in half.
Anthony!
Anthony tears the remaining pages again. Pieces of paper fall onto the table. Amber looks stunned.
I’m not divorcing you.
Amber takes a step back.
Why are you doing this?
Because you’re the one asking me for a divorce.
That doesn’t mean I should have to stay married to you forever.
You came here asking to end this marriage. And now you’re talking about taking a share of my property?
I said I was willing to take less than fifty percent.
That doesn’t change anything.
Anthony, I’m not trying to take everything from you.
But you are asking for something. You want a divorce, Amber. You’re the one ending this marriage.
I only want what I believe I’m entitled to.
You have no right to claim any share of my property.
You really believe that?
I do.
A tense silence fills the room.
Amber walks toward the table and looks down at the shredded papers. Her voice becomes quieter.
I came here hoping we could handle this like adults.
Anthony crosses his arms.
Then you should have thought about that before coming here with divorce papers.
I did think about it. That’s why I was willing to compromise.
There will be no compromise.
Amber clenches her hands.
So what do you want me to do?
Stop asking me for a divorce.
And if I refuse?
Then you’ll have to deal with the consequences of your decision.
You can’t just tear up the papers and pretend nothing happened.
I’m not pretending anything. I’m telling you exactly where I stand.
Amber looks toward the door. She realizes the conversation is going nowhere.
Amber returns to Dave’s house and walks inside slowly. Dave immediately notices her expression.
What happened?
Amber places her purse on the table.
He tore them up. Right in front of me.
He tore up the divorce papers? What did he say?
He said he isn’t divorcing me. Then he told me that because I’m the one asking for the divorce, I have no right to claim any share of his property.
And what did you say?
I told him I was willing to take less than fifty percent.
You made your position clear.
But he doesn’t care.
Then this isn’t over.