Nab) Larry questions Isaiah. He stays silent—then shocks everyone by accepting Bethany's money.

The Money That Changed Everything

INT. BROOKE'S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – LATE AFTERNOON

The living room is unusually quiet. Soft sunlight filters through the windows, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Suddenly, the front door opens, and Isaiah slowly walks inside. His shoulders are low, his face is tired, and he avoids making eye contact with anyone.

LARRY

Isaiah... you don't look okay.

Isaiah forces a weak smile but remains silent. Larry immediately senses that something is wrong.

LARRY

Why aren't you going to Brooke's college anymore?

Isaiah lowers his head. His hands begin shaking. He wants to answer... But no words come out.

LARRY

Talk to me, son. Whatever happened, we'll figure it out together.

Before Isaiah can respond, the front door opens once again. Bethany walks inside confidently. Everyone turns toward her.

LARRY

Bethany? What are you doing here?

Bethany ignores Larry. She walks directly toward Isaiah. Without saying a word, she reaches into her purse and removes a thick envelope.

She extends the envelope toward Isaiah. The room instantly falls silent.

LARRY

What's inside that envelope?

BETHANY

Money.

Larry's eyes widen. Brooke, standing halfway down the stairs, freezes in disbelief.

BROOKE

Isaiah... don't do it.

Isaiah stares at the envelope. His breathing becomes heavier. He remembers every dream he had for college. Every promise. Every sacrifice.

Seconds pass. Nobody moves. Finally... Isaiah slowly reaches forward.

He accepts the money.

The room goes completely silent. Larry cannot believe what he just witnessed. Brooke's heart shatters.

LARRY

Isaiah... You actually accepted it?

ISAIAH

I'm sorry.

BROOKE

Look at me.

Isaiah slowly raises his eyes. Brooke isn't angry. She's hurt.

BROOKE

Was money the reason you stopped coming to college?

ISAIAH

I didn't have another choice.

BROOKE

You should have trusted me. We could have faced this together.

ISAIAH

I was ashamed.

LARRY

Being broke isn't shameful. Giving up is.

Isaiah closes his eyes. Those words hit him harder than anything else.

BETHANY

Everyone has a price.

LARRY

No. People aren't for sale.

BROOKE

Money can pay bills... But it can never buy trust.

Bethany silently walks away. The front door closes. Isaiah looks down at the envelope. It suddenly feels heavier than ever before.

ISAIAH

I don't know how to fix this.

BROOKE

Then start with the truth. Everything else can wait.

FADE OUT