Summary

Two days before Brandon's return from Australia, LaPointe celebrates the publication of her first poem, feeling successful and at peace in her friend's apartment. When Brandon arrives, he surprises her with white roses as a congratulatory gesture for her achievement. They spend time together in the neutral territory of the friend's house, which LaPointe finds comfortable. However, as she starts packing to return to their shared apartment, she realizes she's not ready to go back. LaPointe maintains a daily text correspondence with Richard, with whom she shares a deep connection. Although Richard encourages her to make it work with Brandon, she feels torn.

LaPointe and Brandon reunite and move back into their apartment. However, LaPointe experiences feelings of skittishness and unease, sensing emotional unsafety around Brandon, triggering her childhood impulse to run away. Despite this, Brandon tries to make amends by inviting LaPointe to...