Contents
26: The Best Friend
Overview
January processes her father’s letters and fully acknowledges her grief. Overwhelmed by Gus’s history resurfacing, she reaches out to her mom and summons Shadi, who arrives to care for her. January chooses distance from Gus, focusing on grounding routines and support, setting the stage for a difficult, honest reckoning.
Summary
Under the night sky, January finishes reading her father’s letters and lets herself feel the grief she has avoided. She loops “Everybody Hurts,” deciding to listen to the pain in hopes it will ease. Thoughts of Gus and the shock of seeing his ex Naomi resurface intensify her heartache.
In the middle of the night, January calls her mother, admits she isn’t okay, and tells her everything. Still needing support, she texts Shadi, who promises to come immediately.
By morning, Shadi arrives with a massive duffel and produce, insisting on real food and structure. She cooks brunch and directs a deep clean of the house, which numbs January’s spiraling thoughts. Gus calls twice; January ignores both, turns off her phone, and returns to cleaning.
That evening, after ratatouille, small talk, and a storm rolling in, Shadi makes Sazeracs. Curled on the couch, they finally prepare to unpack the whole story as Shadi prompts January to start at the beginning.
Who Appears
- January AndrewsProtagonist; confronts her grief after reading her father’s letters, calls her mom, leans on Shadi, and avoids Gus’s calls.
- ShadiBest friend who arrives immediately, cooks, cleans, grounds January with care and routine, and prompts a full debrief.
- January’s MomComforts January over the phone in the night, listens as January finally shares everything.
- Gus EverettLove interest who calls twice after his ex reappears; January pointedly does not answer.