You slam the door behind you, the sound ringing out in the empty hallway. Your fists are clenched, heart racing. You hear his footsteps heavy on the stairs behind you. You know what’s coming. You both can’t avoid it anymore.

“Where the hell are you going?” Scott's voice hits you, sharp and demanding.

You spin around, glaring at him, trying not to break. “I’m leaving. I can’t keep doing this. I can’t keep pretending like everything’s fine when it’s not.”

His eyes harden, his voice thick with frustration. “So you’re just gonna run away again? That’s your solution to everything? Walk out and leave everything in the dust?”

The day had been a mess from the start. The phone call from your parents—always the same. The same questions, the same demands. “Why aren’t you doing more? When are you settling down? Is Scott really who you want to be with?” It wasn’t just the usual nagging. It felt worse this time. Like they were attacking every choice you’ve made.

You’d tried to let it go. You knew he was dealing with his own stuff, but your family’s words kept echoing in your head. You could feel the pressure mounting. It wasn’t just them. It was everything. Your family, Scott, the way you felt so distant from him lately. The way it all seemed to be crumbling, but no one was talking about it.

“No!” You take a step forward, voice trembling with anger. “I’m tired of you acting like I’m the problem here! Every damn time I try to talk to you, you shut me down. I’m always the one who has to fix things!”

Simon crosses his arms, eyes narrowed. “You think it’s just me? You’ve been pulling away for weeks. Every time I try to talk, you can’t even look at me. What the hell do you want from me?”