17: Larissa

From the bedroom, Larissa hears Mike being loud on the dock and suspects he is a little drunk. His stale-beer smell reminds her of painful past associations, and she contrasts that with Chris’s comforting cologne from their drive, which evokes the safety she feels around him and Woofarine.

Becca texts Larissa to come down to the dock. Self-conscious about walking past Chris in just a bikini, Larissa slips on a sundress and steps into the hall, where she meets Chris taking out the trash. He looks guilty and evasive as they exchange small talk about swimming and cleaning up.

Woofarine fixates on a floor vent, vibrating with excitement, while Chris tries to keep the trash bag. Larissa insists on helping, joking about his “emotional support trash,” and carries it to the outside bin. When she opens the lid to add a stray ketchup bottle, the bag spills open.

Larissa sees the bag contains only nuts. The discovery quietly reveals that Chris has been removing nut products to protect Larissa from exposure, underscoring his attentiveness and the contrast with Mike’s carelessness and drinking. Larissa’s perspective shifts, deepening her recognition of Chris’s quiet, proactive care.