MIA: (storming in)
Amber! What the hell happened?! I just got the call from the hospital. Shayla had a breakdown at your place?!
AMBER: (startled)
Mia, I—I didn’t expect you so soon. I’ve been trying to get in touch. I didn’t know what else to do…
MIA:
Don’t “I didn’t know” me right now. You invited her over. You knew how fragile she’s been lately. What did you say to her?
AMBER: (defensive but emotional)
It wasn’t like that! I swear, Mia. She came over on her own, we were just talking—catching up. Things were good… until they weren’t.
MIA: (crossing her arms)
What does that even mean?
AMBER:
We were laughing, drinking tea, reminiscing. Then out of nowhere, she went quiet. Like—like she was somewhere else. She started muttering things I couldn’t understand. About Mom. About the fire.
MIA: (shocked)
The fire? She never talks about that. Not even with me.
AMBER: (voice trembling)
I didn’t bring it up. I swear to you. One minute she was smiling, and the next, she just… shattered. She started screaming, Mia. About betrayal, lies… and then she collapsed.
MIA: (tearing up)
Oh my god…
AMBER: (approaching gently)
I panicked. I called 911. I stayed with her until they got there. I’ve been here ever since.
MIA: (still processing)
I—I can’t believe this is happening again. She was doing better. The meds, the therapy… we were hopeful.
AMBER:
Do you think this was my fault?
MIA: (long pause)
I don’t know. Maybe it wasn’t what you said… maybe it was just you. Being around you triggers things in her. You were there that night, Amber.
AMBER: (quietly)
You think I forgot?
MIA: (firmly)
Then act like it.
AMBER: (tears welling up)
I loved her too, you know. She was my best friend before all this. Before everything fell apart.
MIA:
Then love her from a distance. Until she’s ready—ifshe’s ever ready.
(Doctor enters the waiting room, clipboard in hand.)
DOCTOR:
Are you both here for Shayla Reid?
MIA and AMBER: (together)
Yes.
DOCTOR:
She’s stable now. Still sedated, but resting. We’re keeping her overnight for observation and will consult her psychiatrist first thing in the morning.
MIA: (relieved but guarded)
Thank you, doctor. Can I see her?
DOCTOR:
One at a time. She might not respond, but you can sit with her.
MIA: (to Amber, coldly)
I’ll go first.
AMBER: (nodding, softly)
Of course.
(Mia walks away. Amber sits down, alone in the waiting room, burying her face in her hands as the weight of the evening crashes over her.)
