A Place Called Home
[Setting: The living room of a single-family house in New York. Landlord SOPHIA sits on a sofa, anxiously tapping her phone. BOB, the tenant occupying the basement, enters.]
SOPHIA:
Bob, I hope you’re well. I just sent you a text. I need to talk to you about something important.
BOB:
Sure, Sophia. What’s up?
SOPHIA:
My mother’s returning to the States after a year for her treatment. She had a stroke, you know? It’s been tough for her back in Bangladesh.
BOB:
I’m sorry to hear that. How does it affect me?
SOPHIA:
She needs the space in the basement. It’s been arranged for her therapy sessions.
BOB:
Wait, what? Do you want me to move out?
SOPHIA:
Just temporarily, Bob. She can’t get the help she needs there. This house was meant to be her sanctuary.
[Bob hesitates, looking conflicted.]
BOB:
I get it, Sophia, but this is sudden. I’ve been here a while.
SOPHIA:
I understand. It’s a lot. But it’s about giving my mother a chance to heal. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t crucial.
[Bob takes a moment, contemplating.]
BOB:
Okay, I’ll figure something out. It’s overwhelming.
SOPHIA:
Thank you, Bob. I appreciate your understanding.
[As Bob leaves, Sophia sighs, feeling the weight of the situation.]
SOPHIA (to herself):
Sometimes, home isn’t just a place; it’s the hope for a better tomorrow.
[The scene fades as Sophia gazes at a family photo, her heart heavy with the responsibility ahead.]
AUTHOR’S NOTE: The text is simple and easy to read. It’s likely to be understood by someone with at least a 6th-grade education (age 11).