That's unfortunate. She took a step toward me. Can we just talk? We are talking. She looked around the room.
Then she noticed the wedding binder sitting on the table. What is that? The canceled contracts. Her face changed. You canceled everything?
Yes. You actually canceled the wedding? You walked out after I told you exactly what would happen. She shook her head. I thought you were angry.
I was. I thought you'd calm down. I did. That stopped her. I stood up.
That's the difference, Deborah. You thought I was threatening you because I was emotional. I wasn't. She wiped her face. Nothing happened that meant anything.
I looked at her. Then why did you go? She had no answer. I picked up the binder and handed it to her. Your wedding is canceled.
She stared at the papers. Then her phone buzzed. She looked at the screen. I didn't need to see the message. Her reaction told me enough.
Whatever happened at that party had finally become real to her, and now she was beginning to understand what it had cost. Deborah put her phone down and looked at me. Steven, please listen to me. I'm listening. I made a terrible decision.
You made several. She flinched. I know. No, you don't. I walked to the kitchen and poured myself a glass of water.
She followed me. I thought you would come with me eventually. I told you no. I thought you were saying no because you were angry. I said no because I meant no.
She stood against the counter. I didn't know you would actually cancel the wedding. I turned around. That's the problem. What?
You thought my boundary was a bluff. She looked down. I continued. You weren't choosing between the party and me. You were choosing whether you respected what I told you.
She started crying again. I was confused. You weren't confused when you got dressed. She said nothing. You weren't confused when you drove there.
Still nothing. And you weren't confused when you stayed. Her face tightened. I stayed because I didn't know how to leave. You had a car.
She looked at me. For a moment, neither of us spoke. Then she said, I wanted to feel different. I nodded. Fine.
That's all you have to say? Yes. She seemed surprised. I thought you'd be furious. I was furious.