As Ellie and you sat across from each other in the dimly lit living room, the air between you crackled with tension. Hours of simmering resentment had built to a boiling point, and now, the sparks of disagreement ignited.

Ellie's voice was tight and controlled as she spoke, her eyes fixed on you with a mixture of frustration and hurt. "We need to talk," she said, her hands clenching into fists on her lap.