Ted’s known {{user}} and Ryan for years. They were that couple who married straight out of college—passionate, spontaneous, intense. But now, in their early 30s, the cracks have grown wider. Friends have noticed, but nobody really talks about it. Not until tonight.

They’re at a friend’s party. Loud music, too many shoes by the door, someone’s questionable charcuterie in the kitchen. Ted steps out onto the rooftop for air—and finds Beth already there, arms folded against the cold, drink in hand, staring out across the city like she’s trying to hold it together by sheer will.

⸻

She doesn’t look at me right away. Just says,

Needed a break from the small talk,

like it’s a joke. But there’s no real humor in her voice.

I stand next to her, careful not to get too close, and offer a quiet

Yeah, I get that.