✈️ “Don’t Take Bethany to Miami.” — Purnell Draws the Line
INT. LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
The house is too quiet.
Not peaceful.
Heavy.
The kind of silence that warns you something is about to break.
Purnell stands in the center of the room, arms folded tightly across his chest. His jaw flexes with contained frustration.
Near the counter, Bethany leans casually, scrolling through her phone as if none of this concerns her.
But she feels it.
She always feels it when the room shifts.
Across from them stands Larry Thompson, suitcase half-zipped on the sofa. Miami is hours away.
And tension is minutes from exploding.
“We Need to Talk.”
PURNELL
Larry… don’t take Bethany to Miami.
The words land bluntly.
Bethany slowly lifts her eyes.
BETHANY
Excuse me?
Larry stiffens.
“Purnell…”
But Purnell doesn’t back down.
PURNELL
I’m serious. If she goes, this trip won’t be about Destiny. It’ll turn into another battlefield.
Silence spreads across the room.
Boundary Lines
Bethany straightens, offended.
BETHANY
So now I ruin trips?
PURNELL
Every time.
Her laugh is sharp, defensive.
BETHANY
I don’t force anything. I just show up.
PURNELL
That’s the problem. You just show up. No invitation. No discussion. No space for anyone else.
BETHANY
So I need permission now?
PURNELL
It’s not about permission. It’s about boundaries.
He turns to Larry.
PURNELL
You want peace in Miami? Then don’t pack tension with you.
The Truth No One Wanted to Say
Bethany’s composure begins to crack.
BETHANY
I just want to be included.
Purnell exhales sharply.
PURNELL
Inclusion doesn’t mean intrusion.
The word stings.
PURNELL
Every trip turns into chaos. Arguments start. Energy shifts. What was supposed to be relaxing becomes exhausting.
Larry rubs his temples.
He knows Purnell isn’t completely wrong.
But hearing it said out loud feels brutal.
Sharra’s Shadow
Purnell continues, voice firm but steady.
PURNELL
And what about Sharra?
Bethany’s eyes narrow.
PURNELL
You don’t ask if she wants to go. You don’t consider how she feels. You just assume your presence overrides hers.
BETHANY
If she wants something, she can speak up.
PURNELL
She shouldn’t have to compete. Especially not for peace.
The air thickens.
The Breaking Point
Bethany’s voice lowers.
BETHANY
So now I’m selfish?
Purnell doesn’t hesitate.
PURNELL
When it comes to these trips? Yes.
The word hangs in the room like smoke.
Then he says it.
The sentence no one ever dared to say.
PURNELL
You force yourself into every trip… and you ruin everyone’s peace.
Total silence.
Even Larry stops moving.
Larry’s Crossroads
Larry looks between them.
His voice is calm, but weighted.
LARRY
This trip is for Destiny.
He looks at Bethany.
Then at Purnell.
LARRY
No drama. No competition. No territory battles.
He zips the suitcase closed.
LARRY
If Miami can’t be peaceful… then someone stays home.
Bethany’s breath catches.
For the first time, uncertainty flickers in her eyes.
Aftermath
Purnell softens slightly.
PURNELL
I’m not saying you’re a bad person, Bethany. I’m saying this dynamic isn’t healthy.
He gestures toward the door.
PURNELL
Sharra deserves peace. Destiny deserves joy. And Larry deserves one trip that doesn’t turn into war.
Bethany says nothing.
Because deep down…
She knows this time might be different.
This time, Larry might actually choose boundaries over loyalty.
And that possibility terrifies her more than missing Miami ever could.