The Night We Met
by Abby Jimenez
Contents
11: Chris
Overview
At the gym, Chris finally confronts Mike about the drunken hike. Mike reveals panic attacks, insecurity about Larissa, reduced work hours, and that he quit meds and therapy. Chris pushes a concrete plan: restart treatment, seek better work, and be honest with Larissa. Chris also guides Mike’s birthday gift choice.
Summary
Chris joins Mike and Jesse for a workout, still trying to address Mike’s unexplained drunkenness that led to Larissa and Chris’s hazardous hike. In the truck, Mike asks for help with Larissa’s upcoming birthday; Chris steers him away from a giant teddy bear and toward a custom jewelry box. Texts from Larissa about Woofarine provide brief levity, while Chris avoids being set up on dates.
At the gym, Mike structures an intense session that leaves Chris no private moment until Jesse departs early. Chris confronts Mike about the park incident; Mike tries to deflect, but Chris follows him into the locker room and presses the issue.
Mike admits he has been having panic attacks for months and feels pervasive insecurity: he worries people dislike him and doubts why Larissa is with him. He confesses reduced hours, hiding idle days at the gym, borrowing money, and not wanting to take over Tony’s business, which clashes with what he believes Larissa expects.
Chris urges practical steps: see his doctor, restart Prozac with potential adjustment, return to therapy, and be honest with Larissa about his goals. He anchors accountability by insisting Mike fill prescriptions at Chris’s pharmacy so Chris can confirm adherence.
Mike agrees, and Chris promises to be around more. Mike thanks Chris for the gift idea and mentions Chris driving Larissa to the cabin, while hoping repairs will help his finances. Chris resolves to support both Mike and Larissa moving forward.
Who Appears
- ChrisNarrator; confronts Mike, offers concrete support, arranges accountability for meds, advises on career honesty, and suggests a jewelry box gift.
- MikeAdmits panic attacks, insecurity about Larissa, reduced hours, and stopping meds/therapy; agrees to restart treatment and accept help.
- JesseJoins the gym trip, provides comic relief, leaves early; his presence delays Chris’s private talk with Mike.
- LarissaOff-page presence via texts and discussion; subject of Mike’s anxieties and birthday gift planning.