The man stares at the woman. He sighs.

Man: I ought to smack you.

Woman: Why don’t you?

Man: I don’t know.

The man slides his ring off. Sets it on the table.

Man: Why did you have to go about it... like this?

The man nods at her naked body, she pulls the bed sheet up to cover her. She is scared, her movements cautious and delicate.

Woman: I... I’m sorry.

The man lights a cigarette. Sits down.

Woman: I was gonna tell you!

Man: (the man laughs) ...’Was gonna.’ Lie, if I ever heard one

Woman: I wasn’t lyin none! I didn’t mean for it to happen!

Man: But it did.

The woman stares at his ring on the table.

Man: (aggressive) What was it the sex, money?... or is it the power! You still holding that shit against me!

The woman is unsettled.

Woman: I just wanted someone who-

Man: -‘WHO WAS THERE FOR ME’

Woman: Don’t mock me! That’s how I feel!

Man: And I wasn’t there for you? I WASNT a man to lean on?

The man dusts his nose in irritation.

Woman: (voice cracked) You are always at work!

Man: THATS RIGHT. Say it again. (the woman looks away her eyes tearing up)

I never lied or tried to swindle my time, I was right where I always said I was. Breaking this body and doin my piece to pay for OUR house, pay for the car, put some bread on the table... all this shit... (the man’s arm spread out as he refers to the house)

Woman: IM SORRY

Man: Yeah I’m sorry too... for doin everything right and still getting screwed over.

The man stands up and approaches the woman, she retracts and crouches low. She squeals as the man grabs the lower portion of her jaw, forcing her to look at him.

Woman: You’re hurting me!

Man: GET OUT.