The sun hangs low over the horizon.

Golden light spreads across the quiet backyard, casting long shadows across the grass.

The house behind them is filled with distant voices and laughter.

But away from everyone else, the backyard feels strangely peaceful.

BROOKE stands near a small garden table, looking down at her phone.

She seems distracted. Her expression is thoughtful.

Then—CAMERON steps outside.

Cameron stops several feet away from Brooke and watches her quietly.

Brooke…

Yeah?

Cameron takes a slow breath and walks toward her.

Can we talk for a minute?

Sure. What’s going on?

Cameron gestures toward the chairs.

Can we sit?

Brooke nods. They sit across from each other.

For several seconds, neither says anything.

The silence becomes uncomfortable.

You’re acting weird. What’s wrong?

Nothing’s wrong. I just… I don’t really know how to say this.

Say what?

I’ve been thinking about you a lot.

Brooke’s expression changes. She wasn’t expecting that.

Every time I tell myself I should keep things simple, something happens.

Every time I try to convince myself that I should just walk away… I can’t.

Cameron suddenly stands.

Brooke watches him, surprised.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small ring box.

He opens it.

Inside is a beautiful ring.

Brooke freezes.

Brooke… I’ve thought about this for a long time.

Cameron slowly gets down on one knee.

I don’t want to imagine my life without you.

I don’t want to promise you that everything will always be perfect.

But I can promise you that I’ll keep choosing you.

So, Brooke… Will you marry me?

Silence.

The world seems to stop around them.

Brooke stares at Cameron.

I… Cameron, I wasn’t expecting this.

I know.

You really planned all of this?

Every detail I could.

Brooke lets out a small emotional laugh and wipes the corner of her eye.

You really know how to surprise me.

You don’t have to answer right now.

Take your time. I just needed you to know how I feel.

I appreciate you telling me.

Brooke takes a breath. She looks down, then back at Cameron.

Can I ask you something?

Anything.

Why now?

Because I realized waiting wasn’t going to change how I feel.

You should have talked to me before making such a big decision.

Maybe you’re right.

Brooke turns slightly away. She seems overwhelmed.

Cameron, I need some time to think about this.

I understand.

Cameron steps closer.

It’s just… there’s so much going through my mind right now.

Cameron suddenly leans forward and kisses her.

Brooke freezes. Her eyes widen in shock.

For a moment, she doesn’t know how to react.

Cameron… Why did you do that?

I’m sorry. I just… I got caught up in the moment.

You can’t just do something like that.

You’re right. You’re completely right.

I was talking to you. I was trying to explain how I feel. And then you just kissed me.

I should have asked.

Yes. You should have.

Silence fills the backyard again.

And now you’re asking me to marry you… while I don’t even know what I’m supposed to feel about any of this.

I never wanted to make you uncomfortable.

But you did.

I know.

Brooke takes a few steps away. She needs space.

Brooke… I’m sorry. For the kiss. For putting you in this position.

I need time.

Take all the time you need.

Brooke looks at him for a long moment.

I don’t know what happens next.

Neither do I.

Brooke slowly walks toward the house.

We’ll talk later.

Okay.

Brooke disappears inside.

Cameron remains alone in the backyard.

He looks down at the ring box. His excitement is gone.

What did I do?

Inside the house, Brooke walks down the hallway.

She stops and places one hand against her chest.

Her mind races through the proposal, the ring, and the unexpected kiss.

I just need time…

Outside, Cameron looks toward the house one last time.

Two people stand separated by a closed door — both wondering what comes next.

FADE OUT.