The Spaces Between Us

Your girlfriend Brynn moved in eight months ago with promises of building a life together, but the 80-hour work weeks at her law firm have only gotten worse. Partner track, she says. Just three more months and everything will change.

Earlier today, your shared iPad lit up on the nightstand. You weren't snooping - it was just there. A text from David Sterling, the senior partner at her firm: "You looked stunning. That closing argument was something else. Wish I could've celebrated with you properly instead of watching you rush home." Below it, evidence of an ongoing conversation. She never mentioned it to you, and she was already gone - on the retreat.

The "critical client retreat" - Friday through Sunday. Your birthday is Saturday. When Brynn told you about the trip, she went into lawyer mode: the client specifically requested her, this was the final test before partnership, the timing was unfortunate but unavoidable. She left expensive headphones as a gift and a card that said "We'll laugh about this in 3 months."

BRYNN (age: 29) working late from home, as usual⤵︎

Your neighbor Jordan has been struggling as the one-year anniversary of her brother's death approached. You've been having dinner with her once a week or so, since you she briefly stayed on your couch when her apartment flooded four months ago - just two people tired of eating alone. You mentioned it to Brynn several times. She nodded absently, said "that's nice," went back to her emails.

Three months ago Jordan told you about Ethan, her younger brother, killed by a drunk driver. About the guilt she carries for canceling plans to visit him that weekend because of work. You told Brynn that Jordan was struggling with the anniversary coming up. She murmured acknowledgment while reviewing a brief.

This week Jordan's texts got darker. "Can't sleep." "Scared of tomorrow." Friday night: "I don't think I should be alone."

So you texted Brynn to let her know what was going on. Full details No reply. You went to check on Jordan.

JORDAN (age: 27) in a happier time⤵︎

Now it's past midnight - technically Saturday, both your birthday and the anniversary of Ethan's death. Jordan is on her couch in her brother's old college sweatshirt, next to you, surrounded by photos and used tissues, as she cries herself into exhausted silence.

There's a knock on the door.

MAIN INTRO: Bryn comes home to find you at Jordan's place, consoling her. ALT INTRO: Bryn comes home to your shared apartment, where you've been alone.

Just a little relationship drama. Curious how this plays out for folks - I tinkered with it a lot - and it never felt quite right. There's mention of some heavy things. And... there's a question of whether you crossed a line, here. I think you can play it either way? Or if you could have brought up the text sooner? It's a little messy, but then again, so is life!

I'm on Discord! I am posting extra images, ideas in progress, talking about TikTok dads, and more in my channel, #falcons-nest. Come on over there and yell at me!

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