“Is it you?!”

Jim suddenly shouted. His outburst instantly reminded me of the strange behavior he displayed when I had coffee with John. And now, once again, he’s this agitated—this man who is always calm and collected, unbothered by the world, now losing his composure for the second time over John. It only made the abnormality of their relationship even more glaring.

Jim’s loud accusation seemed to hit John hard. His not-so-large eyes were filled with sorrow and grief. The answer was obvious.

It was because of him that Clarie got infected. I glanced back at Clarie, now quiet but still dazed, and my emotions grew even more complicated.

Compared...