The Night We Met
by Abby Jimenez
Contents
51: Larissa
Overview
Larissa and Chris, isolated after choosing secrecy, plan a getaway to Traverse City for Chris’s birthday to be themselves in public. They savor intimacy, exchange declarations about their enduring love, and confront grief over lost friendships—especially Mike’s—while debating whether to confess. They resolve to build a life together despite the cost.
Summary
At home, Larissa and Chris flirt and grow physically close, highlighting their new comfort as a couple. Larissa proposes a trip where they can be together without scrutiny. She worries about Chris’s sadness: after he declined birthday plans, his friends fell silent, and he avoids reaching out, even to Xavier, fearing rejection and disapproval. They agree to travel for his birthday.
They drive to Michigan and settle into a lakeside rental. Free from watchful eyes, they browse shops, see a movie, celebrate his birthday with cake, and enjoy quiet intimacy. The change of place lets them experience their relationship as normal and public, strengthening their connection.
In bed after, they trade confessions about early attraction and the comfort they found in each other’s presence. Chris promises a love that feels eternal, and Larissa echoes the sentiment. They acknowledge both joy and the lingering sadness that accompanies their hidden relationship.
Conversation turns to Mike and their friend group. Chris admits hating the lies and wanting to reveal the truth, but he fears triggering Mike and losing everyone. Larissa offers reassurance and a vision of future traditions, friends, and family, while Chris affirms that Larissa is enough and he would make the same choices again. They end resolved to build their own world despite isolation.
Who Appears
- LarissaNarrator; proposes a birthday trip, nurtures Chris, shares intimate confessions, and envisions a future together despite secrecy.
- ChrisIsolated from friends, turns thirty in Traverse City; deeply declares love, struggles with guilt and fear of telling Mike.
- MikeOffstage; Larissa’s ex and Chris’s friend. Central to secrecy and fear of fallout if truth emerges.
- WoofarineBeloved dog; provides comic relief by running off with Chris’s shirt.
- XavierOffstage friend who tried to keep in touch; Chris avoids contact to prevent lying.