Expect The Unexspected

MoreTension

**Setting:** The games room of Richard and Grace's mansion, filled with elegant furnishings and lavish gambling tables. The atmosphere is lively, but a sense of tension builds as they discuss their daughter Veronica’s behavior after dinner.

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**(Grace is arranging the cards on one of the tables as Richard enters, looking tense.)**

**Richard:** (crossing his arms) “Did you see how Veronica was insisting she join us at the tables? It’s not a place for kids.”

**Grace:** (sighing) “I know, but she just wanted to be a part of the evening. She’s curious, Richard. It’s normal for her age.”

**Richard:** (frowning) “Normal or not, we don’t expose her to this kind of environment. It sends the wrong message.”

**Grace:** (turning to face him, defensive) “Are you really going to be that rigid? She’s six, and she just wants to have fun with us. We can teach her about boundaries without shutting her out.”

**Richard:** (raising an eyebrow) “Fun? You think letting her play around gambling tables is fun? We’re not setting a good example. What if she thinks this is acceptable behavior?”

**Grace:** (frustrated) “You’re missing the point! It’s a game, Richard. It’s about time with family. You’re so focused on being the strict parent that you’re forgetting to just enjoy her.

**Richard:** (voice rising slightly) “Enjoy her? It’s our responsibility to guide her. What happens when she thinks it’s okay to play games with money, even if it’s just pretend? We’re setting a precedent!”

**Grace:** (her voice trembling) “And what about her happiness? She’s a child, not a miniature adult needing to comply with adult norms all the time. Can’t we just let her be young for a little longer?”

**Richard:** (taking a breath to calm himself) “I get that, but life isn't just about fun and games. She needs to understand limits. I don’t want her to think everything is permissible.”

**Grace:** (softening, but still hurt) “But aren’t we teaching her limits by talking to her about it, rather than excluding her from the experience altogether? She’s going to be curious whether we like it or not.”

**Richard:** (pinching the bridge of his nose) “And I appreciate her curiosity, but there are appropriate avenues for that. We have to be careful, Grace.”

**Grace:** (taking a step closer) “What’s more important: shielding her from everything, or teaching her about the world incrementally? We can explain things as they come up—she's not made of glass.”

**Richard:** (pausing, contemplating) “I just worry about the kind of environment we’re creating. I don’t want her to mimic our behaviors blindly.”

**Grace:** (sincerely) “And I don’t want to raise her in fear of exploring. Let’s find a way to balance your concerns with allowing her to enjoy being a child. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.”

**Richard:** (softening, meeting her eyes) “You’re right. Maybe I am being too rigid. I just want what’s best for her.”

**Grace:** (nodding) “We both do. Let’s talk to her together about boundaries and limits while still encouraging her curiosity. That way, she feels included but understands the importance of our expectations.”

**(Richard exhales, relaxing his posture as he realizes they can find common ground.)**

**Richard:** “Okay, let’s do that. I just want to make sure we’re on the same page moving forward.”

**Grace:** (smiling gently) “We will be. Together.”

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**(As they stand united, the tension between them begins to dissipate, replaced by a shared commitment to parenting as a team.)**

**Setting:** The games room, now quiet after the guests have left. Richard stands by the table, still processing the earlier conversation, while Grace gently takes Veronica’s hand, leading her upstairs to her room.

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**(As they reach Veronica's room, Grace kneels down to her level, looking into her curious eyes.)**

**Grace:** “Hey, sweetheart. Can we talk for a minute?”

**Veronica:** (tilting her head) “Is Daddy mad at me? I just wanted to play with you guys.”

**Grace:** (sighing softly) “I know, honey. Daddy wasn’t mad at you, but he was worried about something. Can you tell me why you wanted to join us at the gambling table?”

**Veronica:** (shrugging) “It looked fun! Everyone was laughing, and I wanted to laugh too. I thought I could play pretend.”

**Grace:** (nodding) “I understand that. It’s great to want to have fun with us. But sometimes, there are things that are meant for grown-ups, and Daddy was just trying to protect you.”

**Veronica:** (frowning) “But I’m not a baby! I can play games too!”

**Grace:** “You’re right, you’re not a baby. You’re a big girl! But some games, like the ones at the gambling table, can be confusing. They involve money and rules that are hard to understand at your age.”

**Veronica:** (pouting) “But I just wanted to be with you! I don’t care about the money.”

**Grace:** (smiling gently) “I know, sweetie. And we love having you around. But it’s important for us to teach you about what’s appropriate for you right now. We want you to enjoy being a kid without worrying about things that are too complicated.”

**Veronica:** (looking down) “So, Daddy doesn’t want me to have fun?”

**Grace:** (lifting her chin gently) “No, that’s not it at all. Daddy wants you to have fun, but he also wants to make sure you’re safe and happy. Sometimes, that means saying no to things that might not be right for you yet.”

**Veronica:** (nodding slowly) “I guess I understand. But I just wanted to be part of the fun.”

**Grace:** “And you will be! There are so many other games we can play together that are just as fun. How about we have a family game night soon? We can play your favorite games, and Daddy will be there too.”

**Veronica:** (brightening up) “Really? Can we play the one with the little pieces? The one with the colors?”

**Grace:** (laughing softly) “Absolutely! We can make it a special night. Just remember, it’s okay to want to join in, but we also need to respect the rules. Daddy loves you very much, and he just wants to keep you safe.”

**Veronica:** (smiling) “Okay, Mommy. I’ll try to remember.”

**Grace:** (hugging her tightly) “That’s my girl. Now, let’s go back downstairs and see if Daddy wants to play a game with us.”

**(As they head back down, Grace feels a sense of relief, knowing she’s helping Veronica understand while also bridging the gap between her and Richard.)**

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**(The scene transitions as they walk back into the games room, ready to reconnect as a family.)**