Scene: A cozy living room with a sofa, coffee table, and a large potted plant on a stand near a window.
(The scene opens. Anna inspects her plant; Ben scrolls on the sofa.)
ANNA: (to the plant) Oh, you are looking just beautiful today. So green, so vibrant. My little piece of nature indoors.
BEN: (without looking up) Still talking to the plant, Anna? You spend more time with that than with me.
ANNA: (smiling, a bit sharp) This plant listens, Ben. And it doesn’t leave its socks on the floor.
BEN: (puts phone down) Fair point. So, what’s the plan for dinner? I’m starving.
ANNA: I was thinking of making that new pasta recipe. I need to go to the market later.
(Knock on the door. Chloe enters with a crushed gift bag.)
CHLOE: Hi everyone! Sorry I’m a bit late. I brought something!
ANNA: Chloe! Come in. What’s that?
CHLOE: It’s a housewarming gift, sort of! I saw it and thought of your living room.
(Chloe walks, trips on the rug, and knocks the plant over. Pot shatters.)
CHLOE: (gasps) Oh my goodness! Anna, I am SO, so sorry! I’m such a klutz!
ANNA: (stares) Oh no… my fern! My beautiful fern!
BEN: Are you okay, Chloe? Did you hurt yourself?
CHLOE: I’m fine. But look at Anna’s plant! I’ve ruined it!
ANNA: (sighs) It’s okay, Chloe. Accidents happen.
BEN: Let’s get a broom and trash bag.
CHLOE: I’ll help! And I will buy you a new plant.
ANNA: (small smile) Thank you. First, let’s clean up.
(Ben exits to get cleaning supplies.)
CHLOE: I promise to be more careful next time.
ANNA: It’s alright. No one got hurt. Maybe a new beginning for the plant.
CHLOE: About this gift…
CHLOE: (holds up bag) It’s a mug! It says “World’s Best Plant Mom.”
ANNA & CHLOE: (laughing)
(Ben returns with broom.)
BEN: What’s so funny?
ANNA: Just a new beginning. Let’s clean up, shall we?