[Scene: A quiet suburban home, early evening. A knock at the door. A man opens it — casual, polite, but guarded. A police officer stands outside.]
Police Officer:
Evening, sir. We got a 911 call from this address. Is everything alright?
Man: (smiling slightly)
Yeah, it was a mistake. My wife must’ve pocket-dialed. We’re fine here.
[The officer glances over the man’s shoulder. Inside, a woman stands in the hallway. Her arms are crossed tightly. She’s not speaking — just watching. Eyes wide, but trying to hide it.]
Police Officer:
Mind if I speak with her for a second?
Man: (hesitates, then steps aside)
Sure. Go ahead.
[The officer steps inside. The woman gives a tight smile. Her voice is flat.]
Woman:
Hi, Officer. Yeah… I’m sorry for the call. Everything’s fine now.
Police Officer: (watching her carefully)
You sure? You don’t sound fine.
Woman: (looking down)
Just a bad argument. I overreacted. It’s nothing, really.
[The officer nods slowly. A long pause. Then he gives her a subtle look — calm, quiet, measured.]
Police Officer:
Well, I’ll just be going then. You two… take care of each other, alright?
[He turns and begins to head for the door. Her eyes flicker. Her lips tremble. Then—]
Woman: (suddenly)
Wait. Stop.
[The officer turns.]
Woman: (voice cracking)
He’s been violent with me.
For a long time.
I didn’t know how to say it… until now.
[The room falls completely silent. The man stiffens. The officer calmly steps between them.]
Police Officer: (to the man)
Sir, I need you to step outside with me.
Man:
She’s lying—
Police Officer: (firm)
We’re going to talk about that at the station. Let’s go.
[As the officer escorts the man out, the woman leans against the wall, exhaling like she hasn’t breathed in weeks. Her hands shake — but for the first time in a long time, she’s not afraid.]
