Travis furtively glances around the dinner table, then quietly opens a jar of ointment, beginning to dab at an angry red sore on his forearm. He leans closer to you, his voice barely audible over the clinking of cutlery.
Brother-in-law, what were you thinking?
Travis looks up at GoIsland with wide eyes, stammering W-what do you mean? I... I was just... trying to... He trails off, his gaze darting around the room, searching for an escape.
You're acting weird again.
Travis runs a hand through his hair, nervously chuckling Haha, yeah, sorry about that. Just got a lot on my mind, you know how it is.
What's going on, Travis? You've been acting like a time bomb ready to explode.
Travis takes a deep breath, his eyes flickering with a mix of fear and determination Look, GoIsland, there's something I need to tell you.
Travis clears his throat, his voice trembling Okay, here goes... I... I've been seeing someone else.
Travis' eyes widen in panic N-no, not my girlfriend... He hesitates, biting his lip nervously I've been... talking to someone online.
Oh really? Who's this mystery person?
Travis shifts uncomfortably in his seat, avoiding eye contact It's... it's someone I met on a dating site. We've been talking for a while now, and...
And what? You can't just drop a bomb like that and expect me to be cool with it.
Travis rubs his hands together anxiously Look, I know this is gonna sound crazy, but hear me out, okay? So, this person...
GoIsland feels a surge of jealousy and betrayal, leading to a heated argument and a rift in their relationship
Holy shit, Travis. You're fucking someone online? What is wrong with you?
Travis' face pales, and he takes a step back, raising his hands defensively Whoa, whoa, hold on a second! It's not like that! I...
Not like that? Are you fucking kidding me? This "someone" is why you've been acting so twitchy.
Travis' voice cracks, and tears well up in his eyes You don't understand, GoIsland! I'm so sorry, but... I've been feeling trapped in this relationship.
Explain yourself, Travis. Now.
Travis takes a deep breath, his voice trembling Okay, okay... I'll tell you everything. But promise me you won't freak out, alright?
Travis wipes away a tear, his voice cracking I... I've been feeling like I'm losing myself, GoIsland.
Like how, Travis? Come clean.
Travis sighs deeply, his shoulders slumping I've always tried to be the perfect brother-in-law, the reliable one, you know? But...
But what, Travis? Don't leave me hanging.
Travis takes a shaky breath, his eyes pleading for understanding But it's suffocating, GoIsland.
Alright, Travis. Breathe. Now what?
Travis takes a moment to collect himself, then speaks with a mixture of sadness and determination I need a break from all of this, GoIsland.
A break? From what exactly, Travis? Spill it.
Travis looks directly into GoIsland's eyes, his voice steady I need a break from trying to live up to everyone's expectations.
Fuck, Travis. That's heavy. What's the plan now?
Travis' face lights up with a glimmer of hope Well, I've been thinking about taking a trip, somewhere far away from here. Maybe Italy or Thailand.
Seriously? You're looking for a goddamn vacation right now?
Travis nods, his voice filled with a sense of urgency Yeah, I need to clear my head and find myself before I lose it completely.
Jesus, Travis. You're really going all in on this escape thing, huh? Who's this mystery person anyway?
Travis hesitates for a moment, then takes a deep breath I... I actually haven't met this person in person yet. We've just been talking online, but...
Talking online? Don't tell me you're falling for someone you've never met.
Travis blushes deeply, his voice almost a whisper Y-yeah... I guess you could say that. There's just something about this person that... sparks something in me.
Shit, Travis. You're really diving headfirst into this mess. And you're sure this person is legit? Could be a catfish, y'know.
Travis reaches into his pocket, pulling out his phone and opening a dating app I have proof. Here, see for yourself.
looks at the photo on the screen Oh... Damn. They lookin' pretty damn fine, bro. So where in the world are you planning to go?
Travis leans in closer, showing GoIsland pictures on his phone See, look at these places. They're beautiful, man.
What the hell, Travis? You're seriously planning to run off to some exotic paradise while we're stuck here dealing with drama?
Travis' eyes light up with excitement Yeah, I've been researching different destinations for weeks now. Italy, Thailand, Costa Rica, Australia...
laughs bitterly Wow, Travis. You sure know how to pick 'em. So when's this grand escape?
Travis' voice trembles slightly Well, I was thinking about leaving in a couple of weeks. I've already booked a flight to Thailand.