SCENE 1: THE JOURNEY BACK FROM THE AIRPORT

The sun slowly disappears behind the tall buildings as cars move along the busy highway.

Larry sits in the passenger seat, looking silently out of the window. His face seems tired, and his mind is filled with painful memories.

Bethany is driving the car. She occasionally glances at Larry, hoping he will finally speak to her.

Larry, why are you so quiet? You’ve barely said anything since we left the airport.

Larry doesn’t respond.

I’m talking to you. At least look at me when I’m speaking.

Bethany, please. I don’t feel like talking right now.

Bethany sighs.

You always say that. Whenever I try to talk to you, you act like I’m bothering you.

Because sometimes I just need some peace.

Larry turns his face toward the window again.

Suddenly, an old memory comes rushing back into his mind. Something from his past that he desperately wants to forget.

His expression changes. He closes his eyes and takes a slow breath.

SCENE 2: PAINFUL MEMORIES

Larry begins remembering the difficult moments he has experienced. His thoughts become overwhelming.

Bethany notices that something is wrong.

Larry? What’s happening? Why do you look so worried?

Nothing. I’m fine.

Don’t lie to me. I can see that something is bothering you.

Bethany, please stop asking me questions.

Why? Am I not allowed to talk to you anymore?

That’s not what I’m saying. I’m asking you to understand that I’m not feeling well.

Bethany becomes frustrated.

You never explain anything to me. You just keep everything inside and expect me to understand.

Larry places one hand against his chest. His breathing becomes uncomfortable. He looks down, confused and frightened.

Bethany… something doesn’t feel right.

What do you mean?

I… I think something is wrong with my heart.

Bethany’s expression immediately changes.

Larry? Are you serious?

Larry cannot answer properly.

SCENE 3: LARRY COLLAPSES

Bethany quickly pulls the car over to a safe place. She turns toward Larry. He looks extremely unwell.

Before Bethany can understand what is happening, Larry loses consciousness and collapses.

LARRY!

She immediately calls for emergency medical assistance. Her hands tremble as she tries to explain the situation.

Please! I need an ambulance! My friend is seriously ill. We’re on the highway. Please send help quickly!

She looks toward Larry with tears filling her eyes.

Larry, please! Can you hear me?

There is no response. Bethany feels overwhelmed with fear.

Please don’t let anything happen to him. Please…

A few moments later, emergency responders arrive. They carefully attend to Larry and prepare to take him to the hospital.

Bethany follows them, unable to stop worrying.

SCENE 4: THE EMERGENCY ROOM

The hospital emergency department is busy. Medical staff quickly take Larry inside for examination and treatment.

Bethany stands outside the emergency room. She keeps looking at the closed doors. Her eyes are filled with tears.

A nurse approaches her.

Are you Larry’s family member?

I’m his close friend. Please tell me, how is he?

The doctors are examining him. We need some time to understand his condition.

But he’s going to be okay, isn’t he?

The doctors will explain everything once they have completed their assessment.

Bethany slowly sits down. She covers her face with her hands.

For the first time that evening, she realizes how frightened she is of losing someone who matters to her.

SCENE 5: A MOMENT OF REGRET

Bethany sits alone. The memories of the car journey keep returning to her mind.

She remembers how Larry repeatedly asked her to stop bothering him. She remembers his tired expression and the moment he told her that something was wrong.

Her eyes fill with tears.

(Whispering) Why didn’t I listen to him?

She looks down at her hands.

He kept telling me that he wasn’t feeling well, but I continued asking questions. I should have understood that he needed help.

She begins crying quietly.

Larry, I’m so sorry. I never wanted things to become like this.

A doctor finally walks toward her. Bethany immediately stands up.

Doctor! Please tell me about Larry!

We’ve completed his initial examination and provided emergency treatment. He has experienced a serious cardiac problem, and he needs close monitoring.

Can I see him?

He’s being moved to a monitored room. Once the staff have settled him, you may visit briefly.

Bethany nods.

Thank you, Doctor. Thank you so much.

SCENE 6: BETHANY SEES LARRY

Larry lies in a hospital bed. Medical monitors display his vital signs while the hospital staff continue monitoring his condition.

Bethany slowly enters the room. The moment she sees him, she stops near the doorway.

Her eyes fill with tears. She walks toward his bed and carefully sits beside him.

For several seconds, she says nothing. She simply looks at him.

Larry…

Her voice trembles.

I’m here. I’m right here.

Larry remains quiet, resting under medical supervision. Bethany gently places her hand near his.

I know you might not be able to hear me properly, but I need to say something.

She takes a deep breath.

I’m sorry for everything that happened today.

A tear rolls down her cheek.

You asked me to stop talking, but I didn’t understand how much you were struggling. I should have listened.

She lowers her head.

Please forgive me, Larry.

SCENE 7: BETHANY’S HEARTFELT APOLOGY

Bethany continues speaking through her tears.

I promise I won’t bother you anymore. I won’t force you to talk when you don’t want to.

She pauses.

I understand that everyone needs some space. I should have respected yours.

She looks at Larry again.

Please forgive me. I’m really sorry for everything.

Her voice becomes softer.

I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable because of me. From now on, I’ll try to understand you instead of arguing with you.

She gently wipes her tears.

You don’t have to answer me right now. Just concentrate on getting better.

A nurse enters the room.

Excuse me. He needs some rest.

Bethany quickly nods.

Of course. I’m sorry.

She stands beside the bed for another moment.

I’ll be outside, Larry. Please take care of yourself.

She slowly walks toward the door. Before leaving, she looks back one more time.

SCENE 8: LARRY FINALLY OPENS HIS EYES

Soft morning light enters through the hospital window. Larry slowly opens his eyes and looks around the unfamiliar room.

A nurse notices that he is awake.

Good morning, Larry. You’re in the hospital. How are you feeling?

Larry takes a moment before responding.

Where… where am I?

You’re in the hospital. You’ve received treatment, and we’re monitoring you carefully.

Larry looks toward the door.

Was anyone here with me?

Yes. A woman named Bethany was here last night. She was very worried about you.

Larry becomes silent.

Bethany?

Yes. She waited for quite a while.

Larry looks toward the window. He remembers the journey from the airport.

Can I speak to her?

I’ll let her know that you’re awake.

The nurse leaves the room. Larry closes his eyes briefly. He knows there are many things he still needs to understand.

SCENE 9: BETHANY RETURNS TO THE ROOM

Bethany is sitting in the hospital waiting area when the nurse approaches her.

Bethany, Larry is awake. He asked if he could speak with you.

Bethany immediately stands up.

Really? He’s awake?

Yes, but please keep the conversation short. He needs rest.

Thank you!

Bethany walks toward his room. She gently knocks on the door.

Larry? May I come in?

Yes.

Bethany enters slowly. Her eyes immediately meet his. For a moment, neither of them speaks.

Good morning, Larry.

Good morning.

Bethany moves closer to his bed.

How are you feeling now?

A little better. What happened yesterday?

You suddenly became unwell in the car. I stopped immediately and called for emergency help. They brought you here.

Larry looks down.

I’m sorry you had to go through all that.

Please don’t apologize. I’m just relieved that you’re awake.

SCENE 10: THE APOLOGY LARRY DIDN’T EXPECT

Bethany pulls a chair closer to the bed. She looks nervous.

Larry, can I tell you something?

Go ahead.

I have been thinking about everything that happened yesterday.

Larry listens quietly.

I realized that I wasn’t respecting your feelings. I kept asking questions even when you clearly needed some peace.

Bethany, I was already dealing with some difficult memories. I didn’t know how to explain everything.

I understand that now.

She looks down.

Please forgive me. I promise I won’t bother you anymore.

Larry looks at her.

You don’t need to keep blaming yourself. What’s important is that we both learn to understand each other.