LARRY DEFENDS HIS MARRIAGE
INT. LARRY’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – EVENING
The house is quiet.
Warm evening light filters through the curtains.
LARRY sits on the couch, scrolling through his phone. His expression is serious, but he seems calm.
A knock comes at the door.
Larry looks up.
Before he can respond, LYNETTE steps inside after the door opens.
She looks concerned.
Larry puts his phone down.
Lynette, what’s going on?
Lynette slowly walks into the living room.
She looks at Larry for a moment, choosing her words carefully.
I need to talk to you about Bethany.
Larry’s expression immediately changes.
He sits up straighter.
About Bethany?
Lynette nods.
She folds her arms.
Yes. I’ve been thinking about everything that’s been happening lately, and honestly, I don’t understand why you’re making certain decisions concerning her.
Larry stares at her.
He remains silent for a moment.
What decisions are you talking about?
Lynette takes a breath.
The way you handle things with Bethany. The way you protect her. The way you keep certain things between the two of you.
Larry’s jaw tightens.
He clearly doesn’t like where the conversation is going.
That’s because they’re between me and Bethany.
Lynette looks surprised by his answer.
Larry, I’m only trying to understand.
Then understand this.
Larry stands up.
His voice becomes firmer.
Bethany is my wife.
Lynette pauses.
Larry takes a step forward, but keeps a respectful distance.
So what exactly makes you think I owe you an explanation about what happens between us?
Lynette looks away for a second.
I’m not saying you owe me anything.
It sounds like you are.
Lynette sighs.
I just think somebody needs to tell you when you’re making the wrong choice.
Larry shakes his head.
You’re assuming I don’t know what I’m doing.
Sometimes people are too close to a situation to see it clearly.
Larry looks toward the window.
He takes a slow breath, trying to keep his frustration under control.
Lynette, I respect that you have your opinion.
He turns back toward her.
But my marriage is not a group discussion.
Lynette becomes quiet.
Bethany and I have our own problems. We have our own conversations. We make our own decisions.
I understand that.
Do you?
His voice is sharper now.
Lynette looks at him.
Because the way you’re talking right now makes it seem like you believe you have a place in my personal life.
Lynette slowly shakes her head.
That’s not what I meant.
Then don’t make it sound that way.
A long silence fills the room.
Lynette looks uncomfortable.
Larry walks back toward the couch but doesn’t sit down.
You asked me about Bethany, so I’m giving you an answer.
She’s my wife.
Then he gestures toward the hallway.
This is our life.
His voice becomes calmer, but his words remain firm.
Whatever happens between us is something Bethany and I will deal with together.
Lynette watches him carefully.
I was only worried about you.
Larry’s expression softens slightly.
I appreciate that.
He pauses.
But there’s a difference between worrying about somebody and stepping into their marriage.
Lynette lowers her eyes.
Maybe I crossed a line.
Maybe you did.
Another quiet moment passes.
Lynette walks toward the couch and sits down.
Larry finally sits across from her.
His anger has started to fade.
I just don’t want to see you get hurt.
Nobody wants to get hurt.
He pauses.
But marriage means dealing with things together.
So you really don’t want anyone giving you advice?
Larry thinks about it.
Advice is one thing.
He looks directly at her.
But telling me what I should or shouldn’t do with my wife is different.
Lynette understands.
Fair enough.
You have your life.
And you have yours.
Exactly.
A small silence follows.
The tension in the room begins to disappear.
I’m sorry if I made you feel like I was interfering.
I accept your apology.
Lynette gives him a small smile.
But you have to admit, you got pretty angry.
Larry lets out a quiet breath.
Because Bethany means a lot to me.
He looks down for a moment.
When someone talks about my marriage like they know what’s best for us, I take that seriously.
I can understand that.
Larry picks up his phone from the table.
Before he looks at it, he turns back to Lynette.
Just remember something.
Lynette waits.
You don’t have to agree with every decision I make.
He pauses.
But you do have to respect that they’re my decisions.
Lynette nods.
I will.
Larry finally relaxes.
The room becomes quiet again.
Then Lynette stands.
I should probably go.
Larry stands as well.
Yeah.
They walk toward the door.
Lynette stops before leaving.
She looks back at him.
Take care of yourself, Larry.
Larry nods.
You too.
Lynette opens the door.
She steps outside.
The door closes.
Larry stands there for a moment.
His expression remains thoughtful.
He looks at his phone.
A message from BETHANY appears on the screen.
Larry reads it.
His face softens.
He quickly types a response.
(quietly)
My wife.
He puts the phone away and walks toward the living room.
The argument with Lynette is over.
But Larry knows the conversation has reminded him of something important.
His marriage is his responsibility.
And whatever comes next, he intends to face it with Bethany himself.