The house is quiet.
LAUREN stands near the window, staring outside. Her expression is tired, but there is a new sense of determination in her eyes.
A knock comes at the door.
Lauren turns.
She opens it.
WAYNE stands outside. He immediately notices that something is wrong.
Lauren, what happened? You sounded like you really needed to talk to me.
Lauren takes a slow breath. She steps aside and lets him in.
Wayne, I need to tell you everything.
Wayne walks inside and sits across from her. Lauren remains standing for a moment before finally sitting down.
I’m listening.
I’ve been trying to deal with Dan for so long, and I’m exhausted.
Wayne watches her carefully.
He has treated me badly. He keeps making me feel like I don’t have a choice in my own life.
Her voice becomes emotional.
I don’t want to live like that anymore.
Then you shouldn’t have to.
I don’t want Dan controlling my life anymore.
I don’t want him deciding where I go, what I do, or who I can be around.
Lauren, your life belongs to you.
That’s exactly what I needed to hear.
I don’t want to stay with Dan.
Are you sure that’s what you want?
Yes.
I’ve spent too much time being afraid of what he’ll do next. I just want to move forward with my life.
Then don’t let fear make the decision for you.
I’m ready to choose myself.
Suddenly—a loud knock comes from the front door.
Who is that?
Dan.
Lauren slowly walks toward the door. Wayne stays nearby.
She opens it.
DAN stands outside, holding a folder. His face is serious.
Lauren, we need to talk.
What’s that?
Divorce papers.
You brought divorce papers here?
This isn’t your business.
It became my business when Lauren told me what she’s been going through.
Lauren, I don’t want to leave you.
I came here because you keep asking me for a divorce.
If that’s really what you want, then I’m going to give you the choice.
Lauren takes the papers. Her hands tremble slightly.
You finally brought them.
I never thought we’d end up here.
Neither did I.
I don’t want our marriage to end.
Dan, I understand that. But I can’t keep living the way I’ve been living.
I’ve tried to make this work. I’ve tried to keep the peace. I’ve tried to understand you.
But somewhere along the way, I lost myself.
So there’s nothing I can say?
You can say whatever you want. But my decision is already made.
Dan walks slowly toward the table. He places the divorce papers down. A pen rests beside them.
I never imagined I’d be signing these.
Neither did I.
I still don’t want to lose you.
Dan, you already lost me when you stopped respecting my choices.
Dan lowers his eyes.
After a long pause, he signs the papers.
Lauren watches every movement.
It’s done.
For the first time, Lauren’s shoulders relax.
Tears begin rolling down her cheeks.
Lauren…
I’m okay.
I just never thought this day would actually come.
I hope you find whatever you’re looking for.
I hope you do too.
Dan walks toward the door.
Goodbye, Lauren.
Goodbye, Dan.
Dan leaves. The door closes behind him.
Lauren stands completely still.
The silence feels different now.
How are you feeling?
Free.
She begins crying.
I feel like I can finally breathe again.
For so long, I felt like Dan had control over every part of my life.
But he doesn’t anymore.
It’s finally over.
Now you get to decide what happens next.
That’s what makes me emotional.
For the first time in a long time, I get to make my own choices.
And whatever you choose, make sure it’s what you truly want.
I’m ready for a new beginning.
Lauren walks toward the window.
The evening light shines across her face.
She looks outside with tears still in her eyes, but there is peace in her expression.
The chapter with Dan is finally closed.
And for Lauren, a new chapter is beginning.