Larry Sells Brooke’s Car
Int. Larry’s House — Living Room — Morning
The house is quiet, but Larry is far from calm. He stands near the window, staring outside with a worried expression. His eyes slowly move toward Brooke’s car parked in the driveway. The memory of Brooke running away from home flashes through his mind.
LARRY: Brooke has already left this house once.
He shakes his head.
LARRY: And I know her. If she gets the chance again, she might take those keys and disappear.
Larry turns toward the table where the car keys are sitting. His face becomes tense.
LARRY: I can’t let that happen.
He walks over and picks up the keys. For a few seconds, he simply stares at them.
LARRY: If Brooke wants to run away again, she won’t be using this car to do it.
Larry takes a deep breath. Then, a sudden idea enters his mind.
LARRY: Maybe the best thing to do… is sell the car.
He looks back toward the driveway. The decision begins to settle in his mind.
LARRY: That’s exactly what I’m going to do.
Without wasting another second, Larry grabs his jacket and heads toward the door.
Ext. Larry’s House — Driveway — Morning
Larry walks quickly toward Brooke’s car. He unlocks it and gets inside. For a brief moment, his hands rest on the steering wheel. He knows Brooke may not be happy when she finds out. But Larry believes he is doing what he has to do.
LARRY: You can be mad at me later, Brooke.
He starts the engine.
LARRY: Right now, I’m making sure you don’t run away again.
The car slowly pulls out of the driveway. Larry drives away.
Int. Larry’s House — Hallway — Same Time
Brooke walks out of her room. Her hair is slightly messy, and she looks confused. She glances toward the front door. Then she walks to the window. Her eyes suddenly widen.
BROOKE: Where’s my car?
She quickly moves closer to the window. The driveway is empty.
BROOKE: Dad!
Brooke looks around the house.
BROOKE: Dad, where are you?
There is no answer. She checks the table. The car keys are gone too. Brooke’s face fills with suspicion.
BROOKE: What is going on?
She immediately pulls out her phone. Her fingers move quickly across the screen.
Int. Brooke’s Car — Road — Morning
Larry’s phone begins to ring. He glances at the screen. Brooke is calling. Larry stares at the name for a moment. Then he presses ignore. The phone stops ringing. Seconds later, it rings again.
Larry sighs.
LARRY: I knew this was coming.
He ignores the second call too. Brooke calls again. Larry tightens his grip on the steering wheel.
LARRY: Not right now.
He continues driving.
Int. Larry’s House — Living Room — Morning
Brooke hears her call being ignored. Her frustration grows.
BROOKE: Why is he not answering me?
She calls again. No answer. Brooke paces across the living room.
BROOKE: He took my car.
She stops suddenly. An uneasy feeling enters her mind.
BROOKE: No…
She shakes her head.
BROOKE: He wouldn’t do that.
Her phone rings. Brooke quickly answers.
BROOKE: Dad, where are you?
Int. Brooke’s Car — Road — Morning
Larry finally answers the call.
LARRY: I’m busy, Brooke.
BROOKE: Where’s my car?
Larry remains silent for a moment.
BROOKE: Dad, I’m asking you a question. Where is my car?
LARRY: I have it.
Brooke’s expression immediately changes.
Int. Larry’s House — Living Room — Morning
BROOKE: Why do you have my car?
LARRY: Because I decided to take care of something.
BROOKE: Take care of what?
Larry’s voice becomes firm.
LARRY: I’m selling it.
Brooke freezes. For several seconds, she cannot believe what she just heard.
BROOKE: What?
LARRY: You heard me.
BROOKE: Dad, you better be joking.
LARRY: I’m not joking.
Brooke’s eyes fill with anger.
BROOKE: You’re selling my car without even telling me?
LARRY: I made my decision.
BROOKE: You can’t do that!
LARRY: Watch me.
Brooke gasps in disbelief.
BROOKE: Why are you doing this?
LARRY: Because I have a feeling that you’ll take the keys and run away from home again.
BROOKE: That doesn’t mean you can just sell my car!
LARRY: I’m not taking any chances.
Brooke’s breathing becomes heavier.
BROOKE: Dad, please come back.
LARRY: No.
BROOKE: Please!
LARRY: Brooke, I already made up my mind.
Larry ends the call. Brooke stares at her phone.
BROOKE: Dad!
But the call is over.
Ext. Car Dealership — Morning
Larry pulls Brooke’s car into a large dealership. Rows of cars shine under the morning sun. Larry parks and steps out. A dealership manager notices him approaching.
DEALERSHIP MANAGER: Good morning, sir. How can I help you today?
LARRY: I’m here to sell this car.
The manager looks at the vehicle.
DEALERSHIP MANAGER: You’re looking to sell it today?
LARRY: Today.
The manager nods.
DEALERSHIP MANAGER: All right. Let me take a look at it.
He walks around the car, inspecting it carefully. Larry waits impatiently. His phone rings again. Brooke. Larry looks at the screen. This time, he switches the phone off completely.
LARRY: I need to get this done.
The manager returns.
DEALERSHIP MANAGER: The car is in good condition.
LARRY: So?
DEALERSHIP MANAGER: We can make you an offer.
Larry nods.
LARRY: Let’s hear it.
The manager explains the offer. Larry thinks for a moment. Then he looks toward the car. He remembers Brooke. He knows she will be furious. But his fear is stronger than his hesitation.
LARRY: I’ll take it.
Int. Larry’s House — Brooke’s Room — Later
Brooke sits on the edge of her bed. Her phone is pressed tightly against her hand. She tries calling Larry again. The phone is off.
BROOKE: He turned his phone off.
She stands up and walks toward the window. The empty driveway is still visible outside. Brooke’s eyes narrow.
BROOKE: He better not sell my car.
She grabs her jacket.
BROOKE: I have to find him.
Int. Car Dealership — Office — Later
Larry sits across from the dealership manager. Papers are spread across the desk. The manager points to a signature line.
DEALERSHIP MANAGER: Just sign here, and we