16: Chris

Chris arrives at Larissa’s with Woofarine and a Sharpie-marked face from a vaccine clinic mishap, enduring her laughter and Nancy’s teasing. He gifts Larissa a lavender iced matcha, carries her bags despite her protests, and notes the custom jewelry box Mike bought her. He reflects on Mike working for Tony, delays with Prozac and therapy, and plans a nut-free lunch en route.

On the drive, Larissa jokes about the marker while Chris vents about difficult pharmacy customers. At a gas stop, Mike calls, already drinking, and Chris firmly reminds him to purge nuts for Larissa’s safety. Inside, Chris refuses Larissa’s attempts to pay, wanting her to relax. In the car, Larissa offers beauty oil to remove the marker; Chris avoids physical contact, using it himself. She recounts Woofarine surviving a tamale-cart runover and surprises Chris with a near-mint copy of Cross Stitch, directing him to his favorite quote.

They arrive at the cabin, where Mike, beer in hand, hugs Larissa too hard and kisses her roughly, embarrassing her. He pushes drinks; Chris reluctantly agrees to one. Chris then checks the kitchen and finds peanut products still present, confirming Mike ignored his warning.

Alarmed by the risk, Chris reveals his private precaution: he had a separate EpiPen prescribed and paid out of pocket due to the remote location. He angrily takes matters into his own hands, throwing out all nut items to protect Larissa.