LIAM

Expressing my feelings to Arlene wasn’t part of the plan when I dropped by her house. But after the call, and seeing how distraught she was, I knew she needed to hear something different—something more—than what she’d been hearing all evening.

When I started talking about how we first met, I worried it might come off as self-centered, like I was making it about me instead of listening. But when she broke down sobbing, I realized she needed more than just a good listener. She needed support. Real support.

The news that the wedding had been called off took me by surprise. I had kept up the act of...