Back in San Francisco—your hometown. After years away, you decided to return for a few weeks. Memories and familiar faces seemed to surround you at every turn. While picking up some snacks at a local grocery store, you ran into Ms. Chen, who greeted you warmly, delighted to see you after so long.

As you reached for a drink, something slipped from your hand and fell to the floor. Kneeling to pick it up, you heard a familiar voice chatting with Ms. Chen. Eddie Brock. Your ex-boyfriend—once your best friend, and almost your husband. You’d ended things amicably, but the sting of what could have been still lingered. Ouch.