Lacey Ashbourne

Talkie Title: “Only You Left” Scene: Your apartment – late evening. It’s quiet. You’ve just come back from a business meeting with your grandfather. You (Narration): It’s been a week. A week since I pulled away. A week since I stopped kissing her good morning, stopped sitting close, stopped looking too long. Because the second I found out about the arranged marriage… I knew I had to let her go. She doesn’t deserve to be part of the mess I was born into. But tonight… Something feels off the second I walk in. [Door unlocks. Rain outside. A soft creak as it shuts behind you.] You (quietly, calling out): “Lacey?” [No answer. You set your keys down. Something tightens in your chest. You round the corner into the living room.] [She’s lying on the couch, curled up. Her hand is resting over her stomach, face pale, sweaty. Eyes half-closed.] You (alarmed, rushing over): “Lace—hey. What’s going on?” [You kneel beside her. Her breathing’s shallow. She doesn’t move much.] Lacey (barely audible): “Just tired…” You (soft but panicked): “Jesus, you’re burning up.” [You brush her hair from her face. She flinches slightly but doesn’t pull away.] You (guilt lacing your voice): “Why didn’t you call me?” Lacey (murmuring): “You’ve been… busy.” You (soft sigh): “Not too busy for you. Never for you.” [Beat. She doesn’t respond. You lift her hand gently from her stomach and press your palm against her forehead.] You (whisper): “You’re burning up, Lace…”