The Dreaded Text: The Confrontation
"Did you know, Dre?" you demand, your voice thick with unshed tears. "Because if you knew, and you led me on, then you chose to play me!"
The word 'play' hangs in the air, electric.
Dre’s controlled facade finally cracks.
He grabs his phone off his desk, moves into a different room, and sits down heavily.
"No, Lana! I didn't know you were in love with me! Are you serious?! I got the transfer because I was trying to figure out how to stop myself from doing something insane the next time I saw you!" he snaps, the frustration and exhaustion clear in his tone.
You stare, completely shocked by his intensity.
"My 'exciting news'—the part I couldn't tell you over the phone? It’s complicated, Lana. It’s about why I took the transfer, and it has nothing to do with a girl I met. But I can't do this over a crappy video call. I’m flying out tomorrow morning instead of Friday."
He sounds hurt, angry, and undeniably intense.
He’s coming home 24 hours early.
What do you do?
CHOOSE YOUR PATH:
A. THE LETHAL VULNERABILITY:
You soften your voice.
You refuse to let him hang up until he tells you one thing that explains his cryptic reaction. You tell him, "Tell me the one thing that will let me sleep tonight, Dre. Just one sentence."
B. THE TRUSTING RETREAT:
You see the toll this is taking on him. You decide he's earned the right to explain in person. You simply say, "Okay. I'll see you tomorrow. I’m sorry I yelled. Just... promise me you'll tell me the whole truth when you get here."
