The Meduza Girl
He has already begun seeing Meduza Girl but continues texting M., even inviting her to his birthday. She declines.
A few days later, they have tickets to see Bakermat and agree to go together. M. feels better after their time apart, regaining energy and confidence. She hopes he’ll see her as the girl he once fell for, and he seems to. They spend the night together.
Separate Paths
The next day, they each leave the country – she heads to Italy, and he goes to Portugal.
When M. tries calling, he avoids her, telling her to text instead. They argue, and he tells her he hates her and might consider dating someone new if the opportunity arises. Heartbroken, M. struggles to get out of bed, but her friends encourage her to keep going.
Back home, M. is finally feeling better, even starting dating again.
Then he returns and asks to talk, she agrees, though reluctantly. She doesn’t want to rekindle things, but he expresses a desire to try again, claiming he needs to see that she’s “learned from her mistakes.” She reminds him of his own – the Uber Girl and his ex.
He dismisses their future, claiming he’s lost hope.
Then he reveals he’s met someone else. What M. doesn’t know yet is that it’s Meduza Girl, whom he’s been seeing since they first met nearly two months ago.
Once again, M. is shattered.
A Breaking Point
M. hits a breaking point, self-harming and contemplating ending things. The emotional toll is too great.
Meanwhile, he’s out at Koko with Meduza Girl.
The following week, he asks M. to join him and their friends for a night out. She feels confused.
Then he starts pushing for more. She pushes back. She remembers all the times he hurt her, only to shut her out afterward. She tells him he must be certain he wants her.
He keep trying to be alone with her, walking her home and then staying there, she has to ask him out several times before he agrees.
He keeps asking to go out and insists he is sure about her. M. finally gives in, not knowing he’s still involved with Meduza Girl.
Lies Unfold
The next day, M. asks him about the girl he mentioned. He admits he’s still talking to her and has no plans to stop. She breaks down – he’d just said he was sure of wanting her. Now he isn’t.
He leaves her crying, saying he needs to “see how Meduza Girl feels” before making a decision.
M. is hospitalized for an overdose on tranquillisers.
The following week, he returns, staying by her side, though he admits he hasn’t ended things with Meduza Girl.
But he says he will.
In Her Space, Without Her Consent
When his brother and a friend visit, he decides they’ll stay at M.’s place, giving up his own flat for them.
M. is never asked if she’s okay with this arrangement and feels unsure of her role – is she a friend, an acquaintance, or something else?
They go to a festival together, but M. has a panic attack on the first night and has to leave.
She’s unable to muster the strength to return, but he pushes her to try.
Seeking Clarity
Once back, M. confronts him, questioning his behavior. He seems to have slipped back into a boyfriend role, though M. is still uncertain. She needs clarity about Meduza Girl and their current status.
He assures her they only went out a couple of times, claiming nothing ever happened. He conveniently leaves out that they met at Meduza before he and M. had broken up and that they had been seeing each other ever since.
Losing Ground
When he leaves the country again, M. is left grappling with everything that’s happened. She begins doubting everyone around her, even her friends, feeling as though they’re also disrespecting and lying to her. Her trauma deepens, and she starts seeing threats everywhere, even when they aren’t there.
A Fresh Start
Seeking relief, M. leaves the country for a much-needed break in the sun.
She returns feeling somewhat renewed.
They attempt to talk and eventually date again.
M. convinces herself that maybe she made too much of Uber Girl and a few dates with Meduza Girl.
She misses him, and together, they find moments of happiness.