41: Chris

Before dawn, Chris wakes from flashbacks of Larissa’s reaction and his punch to Mike. He fixates on the risk of biphasic anaphylaxis and the need to be close enough to help Larissa, who is sleeping across the hall. He feels traumatized, alienated from his dog’s absence, and disoriented by the prior day’s events.

Chris reflects on his confession to Larissa, his shame over hitting Mike, and his anger at Mike’s behavior. He recognizes a shift: he may have outgrown Mike and resents holding Mike up while Mike refuses to change. Despite hating the violence, Chris admits he would do the same again to protect Larissa.

Unable to sleep, Chris goes to check on Larissa and meets her in the hallway. They acknowledge each other’s worry and exhaustion. Larissa apologizes for his burden in covering for Mike; Chris rejects her blame. Concerned for Larissa’s symptoms, Chris checks on her and she leans into his touch, admitting she fears her throat will close.

When Larissa nods that she wants him to stay, Chris offers to sleep on her floor. He longs to kiss her but reiterates to himself that pursuing anything romantic would hurt their friends, including Mike, and thus remains off-limits.

Instead, Chris hugs Larissa for comfort. He frames it as friendship—two people stabilizing each other after trauma. He resolves to keep her safe and supported without crossing romantic boundaries, even if it hurts him, while postponing any confrontation with their friend group and the fallout with Mike.