Nina arrived Wednesday carrying an overnight bag she had not decided whether to use. Her request for a private night came from jealousy, making every familiar routine vulnerable toward becoming reassurance theater. I asked what specific outcome she needed before either of us reached toward the uncertain bag.
"I need to feel our relationship while another threshold approaches without using sex to prove Thea changes nothing," she said, remaining beside the door.
The distinction removed the easiest physical response before desire could disguise it as care. Sex might comfort us, but performing it against comparison would place Thea invisibly inside Nina's bed.
"Do you want me to promise our intimacy remains more established?" I asked, naming one reassurance she might reasonably request.
