The Night We Met
by Abby Jimenez
Contents
25: Larissa
Overview
On a late-night billboard run, Larissa and Chris trade jokes and hard truths. Larissa learns Chris was initially interested in her and admits doubts about Mike. Chris reveals his mother died of alcoholism, and Larissa absolves his guilt, deepening their bond. They end the night discovering a fawn trapped in fencing.
Summary
Driving after midnight to photograph a final Toilet King billboard, Larissa and Chris banter about Woofarine and difficult customers. Money is tight for Larissa, and Chris refuses gas money so she can meet her quota. Discussion of Donna’s coolness and Larissa’s insecurities about her background surfaces, and Chris calls Larissa beautiful, inadvertently revealing he’d tried to drive her home the night they met.
Larissa reinterprets that first night, realizing Chris quietly bid for her attention but was eclipsed by Mike. She admits to herself she cares for Mike yet isn’t sure she loves him, wary of settling or quitting too soon. They talk work—Chris considers a hospital job to avoid retail conflict—and perspective on poverty and perseverance.
When Larissa asks about his nightmares, Chris confides that his mother died of cirrhosis and that he never told anyone outside therapy, not even Mike. He feels ashamed for not recognizing her alcoholism. Larissa firmly reframes the blame, explaining addiction’s dynamics and that responsibility wasn’t his. Chris softens, clearly moved by her belief in him.
Their quiet connection deepens as they sit beneath the billboard, acknowledging each other’s drive and care. Just as the moment settles, Larissa spots movement: a young deer is tangled in bright orange fencing near the sign. She jumps out of the car to help, and the scene ends on that urgent discovery.
Who Appears
- LarissaNarrator; hustling late-night billboard photos, admits doubts about Mike, reassures Chris about his mother, and spots a fawn trapped in fencing.
- ChrisDrives Larissa, reveals initial interest in her, shares his mother died of alcoholism, considers a new job, and grows emotionally closer to Larissa.