Shadows of Us

In Hereshire, Willow Croyton has spent nearly three years as Roy Chester's girlfriend, known only for her docility. When Roy calls to say he is returning and craving short ribs, Willow cooks for two hours, but he never arrives. A call reveals he is at the Red Lounge playing poker, and she overhears his friends mocking her as a faithful doormat; Roy laughs along.

Later that night, Roy gifts her a diamond bracelet for a birthday that is not hers, then abandons her on a dark mountain road when Sierra Burton calls in tears. A smug message follows, and Willow answers with a photo of her marked neck. She endures the insults, counting down eleven days until everything ends.

The next morning, Willow submits her paper to her advisor, who makes unwanted advances. She turns on a voice recorder and cries out, and Roy bursts in and beats the man. As Roy rages, Willow quietly switches the recorder off, keeping her own reasons for not asking him for help to herself.