JULIAN

I caught her at the door, my hand came up to the frame, blocking her exit. "Wait," I said. "Don't just leave like this."

Claire turned to face me, her bag clutched in her hand. "I'm not leaving," she replied. "I'm going to work."

"You're running away," I said. "Just like you're accusing me of letting Ethan do."

"That's not fair," Claire said sharply. "I'm not running away. I'm creating space."

"Space is running away," I countered. "Space is avoiding the conversation we need to have."

Claire's jaw clenched. "Fine," she said, setting down her bag. "Let's have the conversation, let's talk about how you made a major decision...