At first, outrage.
You can’t do this.
This is my house too.
You’re acting crazy.
Then apology.
I’m sorry.
Please just talk to me.
I messed up but it’s not what you think.
Then minimization.
Nothing happened.
We fell asleep.
You’re making it look worse than it was.
Then blame.
You’ve been distant for months.
You work nights and expect me to be alone.
Tessa listened when you wouldn’t.
Then romance.
Laney, please.
I love you.
I can’t lose us.
Then threats disguised as concern.
If you keep going like this, people are going to know everything.
You’re embarrassing yourself.
A judge won’t like how extreme you’re being.
Each phase arrived like weather I could forecast. I screenshot everything. I did not respond. Maya replied where necessary through counsel.
Tessa tried once more.
She left a handwritten note in my mailbox.
Lena,
I know this looks terrible, but please believe me when I say I never wanted to hurt you. Caleb and I became close during a time when we both felt lonely. Nothing physical happened the way you probably imagine. We fell asleep after talking. I care about you and would love to explain woman to woman.
Tessa
Woman to woman.