I Stopped Waiting, He Lost Everything

For three years, Isabel Lyons has loved Chester Henson across a long distance, believing his excuse that he is simply documenting his life. She works a month of overtime to buy a surprise visit, only to find him carrying another woman's shopping bags through town, mixing her dipping sauce, and remembering her cycle down to the day. The photos he never took of Isabel were always meant for someone else.

Back at the hotel, his phone lights up with messages from Lily Dotson, a new hire in his department. Their chat is endless and tender; with Isabel, it is only a plain dinner photo, day after day, unanswered. When she finally asks whether he loves her, he is too absorbed in his phone to hear. Chester books her a craft café and calls it overtime, and the scent of unfamiliar perfume clings to his collar.

Isabel calls her boss about an overseas transfer and ends the relationship. Then a sugary voice knocks at the door, asking Chester about the concert venue.