4: Larissa

Larissa tells her mother she consulted a lawyer about suing her ex but learned it would cost more than any recovery. She resolves to work with credit card companies and repay the debt herself within a year, rejecting bankruptcy to preserve her credit and future options.

Her mother pushes for a bar job and suggests landing a wealthy partner, praising Mike and even noting Chris. Larissa affirms she and Mike are official but keeps expectations measured. She reflects on avoiding her mother’s path, choosing a daytime job at Donna’s to resist drifting into late-night bar work.

Lexi visits, and Larissa learns her mother is dating Flannel Phil, a heavy drinker who recently repaid borrowed money. Larissa objects, urging her mother to know her worth, while Lexi offers to vet him. The apartment’s limited means surface as a lost streaming login interrupts TV plans.

Larissa discovers her mother texted Chris for the streaming password and had previously used his number—taken from Larissa’s phone—to ask constipation advice after surgery. Mortified, Larissa argues that Chris is not a close friend and resents exposing their financial struggles. She retreats to her room, acknowledging her sensitivity and deepening class insecurity.

Larissa contrasts her and her mother’s lives with Mike’s affluent circle—Xavier, Jesse, Becca—and feels out of place. Still, she sends Chris a brief thanks for the login, determined to maintain boundaries while navigating the discomfort of dependence and pride.