Steve, a trans man in his late 30s, is nervously pacing the living room. His husband, Imperator, a rugged man in his 40s, enters with a bright smile. Steve is holding a small BLACK baby, Malik, wrapped in a blanket.
Steve: (nervously) Imperator, I need to talk to you about something important.
Imperator: (cheerful) What’s up? You look worried.
Steve hesitates, glancing at Malik, then takes a deep breath.
Steve: It’s about Malik... (pauses) He’s not biologically mine.
Imperator’s smile fades, replaced by confusion.
Imperator: What do you mean? We agreed to have a child together.
Scene 2: The Confrontation
Later that night, tensions rise as they sit in the dimly lit kitchen.
Imperator: (voice raised) So you’re telling me you’re not the father? How is that even possible?
Steve: (defensive) I had a surrogate! We talked about it before!
Imperator: (shouting) But he’s Black, Steve! How can I believe this is ours?
Steve’s expression shifts from defensive to hurt.
Steve: (voice trembling) Because love isn’t about biology! I’m still his father!
Imperator stands, pacing angrily.
Imperator: You expect me to just accept that?
Steve’s eyes well with tears.
Steve: I thought we were in this together!
Imperator: (stopping) Together? You didn’t even consider how I’d feel.
Steve: (frustrated) I thought you’d be supportive!
Scene 3: The Divide
Days pass. The couple’s communication breaks down. They avoid each other, tension palpable.
Imperator meets with friends, expressing his doubts.
Friend: Are you sure you can handle this?
Imperator: I don’t know. I feel like everything is a lie.
Meanwhile, Steve confides in a therapist.
Therapist: It’s important to communicate openly. Have you discussed how this makes you feel?
Steve: (sighing) I just want him to see that I love Malik, regardless of biology.
Act 2: The Fallout
Scene 1: The Argument
Back home, Steve confronts Imperator after a week of silence.
Steve: (frustrated) We can’t keep avoiding this!
Imperator: (coldly) What’s there to say? You’ve shattered my trust.
Steve’s anger boils over.
Steve: Trust? I’m the one who feels betrayed! I shared my dreams with you!
Imperator: (hurt) And you hid this from me!
Scene 2: The Decision
The argument escalates, emotions running high.
Steve: Maybe we should just end this. If you can’t accept Malik as our son…
Imperator’s face hardens.
Imperator: Fine! Maybe I don’t want to be part of this family if it’s built on lies.
They both freeze, realizing the weight of the words.
Steve: (whispers) Are you really willing to throw it all away?
Imperator’s eyes are filled with regret, but he nods, a decision made.
Act 3: The Aftermath
Scene 1: The Separation
Weeks later, Steve packs his things, tears streaming down his face. Imperator watches from a distance, regret etched on his face.
Steve: (voice breaking) I never wanted this. I just wanted a family.
Imperator: (softly) I know. I just... I can’t understand.
Scene 2: Healing
Steve sits alone in a small apartment, holding Malik. He reflects on what he lost but also finds strength in his love for his son.
Imperator, alone in their old home, looks at family pictures, feeling a deep sense of loss.
Scene 3: The Future
Steve stands in a park with Malik, surrounded by supportive friends. He smiles, knowing he’s building a new life.
Imperator sits alone at a bar, contemplating what could have been.
Final Scene: A Glimpse of Hope
Steve receives a text from Imperator, suggesting they meet to talk. He hesitates but ultimately replies, hoping for reconciliation.
Lights fade as they both reflect on their journey, leaving the audience to ponder the complexities of love, family, and acceptance.
End.