**Ava:** (with a sharp tone) Again with those stupid pills, Gregory? Are you really that weak?

**Gregory:** (quietly, without looking at her) Ava... I need them. You don’t understand what it’s like. The pressure, the site—it’s falling apart, and so am I...

**Ava:** (interrupting him) Oh, for God’s sake, Gregory! You’re depressed because of a stupid website? Grow up! You think I want to be married to a man who can't even handle his own life?

*(She steps closer, snatches the bottle from his hand, and throws it across the room. It clatters against the wall, spilling pills everywhere.)*

**Gregory:** (his voice cracking) Ava, please... stop. I’m trying. I’m trying so hard, but it feels like everything is slipping away... even you.

**Ava:** (mocking) "Even me"? You think your pathetic sob story is going to fix anything? You’re a failure, Gregory. Always have been.

*(She slaps him hard across the face. Gregory stumbles back, his hand covering his cheek, tears welling up in his eyes.)*

**Gregory:** (choking back tears) Why... why are you doing this? I thought you were the one thing I could hold onto...

**Ava:** (coldly) Hold onto? I’m not your crutch, Gregory. Maybe if you weren’t so useless, I wouldn’t have to pick up the pieces of your mess every day.