The Night We Met
by Abby Jimenez
Contents
44: Larissa
Overview
Larissa returns to Chris’s house and collapses, and Chris insists she rest and recover. They discuss pivoting her business to large graze tables; he offers practical help and to co-sign a loan. The plan gives Larissa a new path forward, and she recognizes that Chris loves her—and that she loves him.
Summary
Larissa arrives at Chris’s house emotionally and physically depleted after the allergic reaction and sleepless night. Chris receives her gently, comforts her as she sobs, and sets a simple plan: rest for twenty-four hours with books and TV, postponing big decisions. He makes her coffee the way she likes and serves lunch, small acts that calm her.
As Larissa settles, she reconsiders past months and recognizes many quiet supports she once credited to Mike likely came from Chris. Those realizations soften her panic and open her to practical conversation about her future.
They discuss her graze-board business. Larissa explains the space and equipment needed, why a storefront or immediate scaling isn’t feasible, and how full graze tables could work but require startup funds for display pieces and a mock-up. Chris offers money; Larissa refuses a gift but agrees to let him co-sign a loan. They plan to visit the bank the next day.
Holding Chris, Larissa understands his steady care as love and recognizes her own feelings. Exhausted but grounded, she accepts rest, a new business direction, and the truth that she trusts and loves Chris.
Who Appears
- LarissaNarrator; overwhelmed and exhausted, accepts rest, plans a graze-table pivot, agrees to a co-signed loan, realizes she loves Chris.
- ChrisComforts Larissa, provides food and calm, proposes practical business pivot, offers to co-sign a loan, and his love becomes clear.
- WoofarineLarissa’s dog; greets her at Chris’s house, providing small comfort amid her breakdown.