The Night We Met
by Abby Jimenez
Contents
19: Larissa
Overview
Larissa returns from the cabin to find Phil staying and smoking in her small shared apartment, sparking a confrontation with her mother, Nancy. Overwhelmed and financially stuck, Larissa weighs her draining weekend with hard-partying Mike against the calm she associates with Chris. Lacking alternatives, she chooses to stay with Mike.
Summary
Larissa returns from the cabin to a messy, smoky apartment and realizes Phil has been there for days. She confronts Nancy about smoking inside and the surprise of Phil moving in temporarily, pointing out the cramped space and disrespect for their agreement.
When Larissa insists Phil cannot stay, Nancy deflects and suggests Larissa go to Mike’s. Larissa explains her financial constraints—debt in her name, unreliable car, low income, and damaged credit—leaving her without viable housing options.
Processing the cabin weekend, Larissa acknowledges Mike’s attentiveness but is worn out by his nonstop drinking and loud, grabby behavior. She contrasts that with the peace she associates with Chris—quiet, books, safe food, and Woofarine—which feels emotionally safer.
Despite wanting calm and considering asking Chris for a place to decompress, Larissa concludes that isn’t a real option. With Phil entrenched at the apartment and no alternatives, she resigns herself to staying at Mike’s.
Who Appears
- LarissaReturns to a smoky, crowded apartment; clashes with Nancy about Phil; feels drained by Mike’s partying; longs for Chris’s calm; goes to Mike’s.
- NancyLarissa’s mother; smokes indoors and lets Phil stay; suggests Larissa go to Mike’s; dismissive of Larissa’s boundaries.
- PhilNancy’s guest; messy, smoking presence in the apartment, prompting Larissa’s confrontation.
- MikeLarissa’s boyfriend; attentive but drinks constantly; his exhausting behavior contrasts with Larissa’s need for quiet.
- ChrisLarissa’s thoughtful friend; represents the calm, safe alternative she craves, though she decides not to ask him for help.