THE DIVORCE SURPRISE
INT. LARRY AND BETHANY'S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – AFTERNOON
The front door slowly opens.
Bethany steps inside carrying her purse. She pauses as she notices something unusual. The house looks cleaner than she has seen it in months. Fresh flowers sit on the coffee table. Soft music fills the room.
A smile slowly appears on her face.
Larry?
No answer comes. She takes another step forward. Suddenly Larry appears from the hallway.
He is dressed neatly and standing calmly. Too calmly.
You decorated the place?
Welcome home, Bethany.
Bethany looks around the room. For the first time in weeks, she feels hopeful. Maybe things are finally changing. Maybe Larry has decided to move forward and repair their marriage.
I wasn't expecting this.
Larry forces a smile. His eyes reveal a sadness that words cannot describe.
I wanted to surprise you.
Bethany notices a folder in Larry's hands. The smile fades from her face.
What's in that folder?
Larry takes a deep breath. The moment he has been preparing for is finally here.
Before I give this to you... I need you to understand something.
Bethany's stomach tightens. Something feels wrong.
I didn't make this decision overnight. I've thought about it for a long time.
Bethany's heart begins to race.
Larry... What are you talking about?
Larry slowly extends the folder toward her.
Bethany opens the folder and freezes. The words "DIVORCE PAPERS" stare back at her.
No... This can't be real.
Her hands begin to shake.
It's real.
This was your surprise? Divorce papers?
Larry lowers his eyes. The pain on his face is impossible to hide.
I didn't want it to end this way.
Then why are you doing this?
Larry pauses. Years of frustration weigh heavily on his shoulders.
Because I've been fighting for this marriage alone.
The room falls silent.
Bethany remembers every argument. Every disagreement. Every time she walked away.
Every time things became difficult, you left. And every time, I stayed.
Tears begin filling Bethany's eyes.
I never stopped loving you.
Maybe. But love isn't enough anymore.
The words hit Bethany harder than anything she has ever heard.
She sits down slowly on the couch. The divorce papers remain in her hands.
I thought when I came home, we could fix things.
Larry's expression softens.
I used to believe that too.
A painful silence follows.
But somewhere along the way, I realized I was the only one still trying.
Bethany wipes away tears.
So this is really the end?
Larry looks toward the window. The evening sun slowly begins to fade.
No. It's the beginning of a different life.
Bethany lowers her head. She never imagined their marriage would reach this point.
Years of memories flash through her mind. The good times. The bad times. The promises they made.
Larry isn't thinking about revenge. He isn't celebrating. He isn't happy. He simply wants peace after years of emotional exhaustion.
I don't hate you, Bethany. I never will. I just want peace.
Bethany closes her eyes. The truth finally settles in.
The marriage she fought for too late is slipping away.
 When Bethany returns home, Larry surprises her by handing her divorce papers.){kind=link}
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