WHEN LAUREN SLAPS WAYNE AFTER HE FIRES HER FROM THE PODCAST
SCENE 1 — THE PODCAST OFFICE
The podcast studio is unusually quiet. Wayne sits behind the main desk, looking through a stack of documents. Lauren walks into the room with confidence, expecting another normal day at the podcast.
She smiles, but Wayne doesn’t smile back.
Lauren immediately notices the tension in the room.
LAUREN
What’s going on? You look serious.
Wayne closes the folder slowly.
WAYNE
Lauren, sit down. We need to talk.
Lauren sits across from him. Her expression changes.
LAUREN
Okay… what is this about?
WAYNE
I’ve made a decision about the podcast.
Lauren waits patiently.
WAYNE
I don’t think you’re going to be working here anymore.
Lauren stares at him.
LAUREN
What?
WAYNE
I’m letting you go.
Lauren slowly stands.
LAUREN
You’re firing me?
WAYNE
Yes.
Lauren’s face fills with disbelief. She looks around the studio, remembering everything she has done for the podcast.
LAUREN
After everything I’ve done for you?
WAYNE
This isn’t personal.
LAUREN
Not personal? You want me to believe this isn’t personal after everything we’ve been through?
SCENE 2 — LAUREN’S ANGER
Lauren walks around the desk. Her voice becomes louder as months of frustration begin coming to the surface.
LAUREN
When you needed me, you wanted me right here.
WAYNE
Lauren, I—
LAUREN
When the podcast needed people, you called me. When you needed someone to stand beside you, I was here.
Wayne tries to remain calm.
WAYNE
The podcast is changing. I have to make decisions that are best for the business.
LAUREN
No. That’s not the real reason.
WAYNE
Then what do you think the reason is?
Lauren’s eyes fill with anger.
LAUREN
I think you don’t need me anymore.
Wayne doesn’t respond.
That silence says everything to Lauren.
LAUREN
When you needed me, you kept me on the podcast. You made me feel like I was important to you.
LAUREN
But now that things are going well for you, suddenly I’m not needed anymore?
Wayne looks away.
LAUREN
You used me.
SCENE 3 — THE SLAP
Lauren’s breathing becomes heavier. She remembers every meeting, every argument, and every moment she stood beside Wayne.
LAUREN
You know what hurts the most?
WAYNE
What?
LAUREN
I actually believed you valued me.
WAYNE
Lauren, I do value you.
LAUREN
Then why are you throwing me away?
WAYNE
Because I have to do what’s right for the podcast.
Lauren’s anger reaches its breaking point.
SMACK!
Lauren slaps Wayne across the face.
Wayne freezes. The entire studio becomes silent.
WAYNE
Did you really just slap me?
LAUREN
Yes. Because you hurt me.
Lauren’s eyes fill with tears, but she refuses to let Wayne see her completely break down.
LAUREN
You kept me around when you needed me. Now that your work is done, you’re cutting me loose.
LAUREN
You used me and then threw me away!
SCENE 4 — “YOU USED ME”
Wayne touches his cheek, stunned by what just happened. Lauren takes a step back and tries to control her emotions.
WAYNE
You can’t just hit me because you don’t like my decision.
LAUREN
I’m not angry because you fired me.
WAYNE
Then why?
LAUREN
I’m angry because of the way you did it.
Wayne remains silent.
LAUREN
You could have talked to me. You could have told me the truth. Instead, you waited until you didn’t need me anymore.
LAUREN
When you needed me, you kept me on the podcast. But now that you don’t need me anymore, you’re firing me.
LAUREN
You used me and then threw me away.
WAYNE
Lauren, that’s not how I see it.
LAUREN
But that’s how you made me feel.
SCENE 5 — WAYNE DEFENDS HIMSELF
Wayne walks toward the window. He takes a moment before speaking.
WAYNE
You think everything I did was because I needed something from you?
LAUREN
That’s what it feels like.
WAYNE
I gave you opportunities.
LAUREN
And I gave you loyalty.
Wayne turns around. His expression becomes softer.
WAYNE
I never promised you that you would stay forever.
LAUREN
You’re right.
Lauren takes a deep breath.
LAUREN
But I thought I meant more to you than a position on a podcast.
WAYNE
You did.
LAUREN
Then you should have treated me like it.
The silence between them becomes heavier than ever.
SCENE 6 — LAUREN WALKS AWAY
Lauren looks around the studio one final time. She sees the cameras, microphones, and the chair where she spent so many hours.
She slowly picks up her bag.
WAYNE
Lauren…
She stops at the door but doesn’t turn around.
WAYNE
I’m sorry.
Lauren closes her eyes.
For a moment, it seems like she might turn back.
But she doesn’t.
LAUREN
Sorry doesn’t change what you did.
Lauren opens the door. Before leaving, she turns around and looks directly at Wayne.
LAUREN
You wanted the podcast without me? Fine.
LAUREN
Now you can see what this podcast looks like without the person who stood beside you when nobody else did.
Lauren walks out.
THE DOOR SLAMS SHUT.
Wayne remains standing alone in the studio. The cameras are still there. The microphones are still on the table.
But suddenly, the entire room feels empty.
Wayne looks at the chair where Lauren used to sit.
His expression changes from anger to regret.
For the first time, Wayne realizes that firing Lauren may have cost him much more than an employee.
It may have cost him someone who genuinely believed in him.
FADE OUT.
Lauren is gone, but the consequences of Wayne’s decision have only just begun.
Lauren is gone, but the consequences of Wayne’s decision have only just begun.