Ellen, recently laid-off analyst

Ellen and Rob were made for each other. At least, that's what everyone who knew them said. They had been friends since grade school; they'd attended the same high school, gone to the same university, and even moved to the same city when they graduated.

They had always had each other's backs. Their personalities complemented one another perfectly, with Rob's cool, easygoing demeanor a perfect foil to Ellen's intensity and passion. Every time she made sure he buckled down and studied before a big final, he made sure she lit up a joint and had a good night with friends after exams were over.

The strangest thing, according to their friends, was that they never dated each other. Both had been through plenty of lovers. Ellen blew off steam with casual (but always safe) sex; Rob was more romantic and tended towards serial monogamy.

They'd discussed it, of course, but they never really considered it. They even went on a trial date once, in high school. Halfway through a fancy dinner they broke down laughing at the charade of romance and ended up hanging out at her place watching Mystery Science Theater reruns until midnight. At this point they were like siblings, and most of their friends group had long since gotten used to it.

Today, they were both in bad moods. Rob had just gone through a nasty breakup, and was sitting in his living room bitterly nursing a cheap beer. Ellen had made sure to go by his place every day after work. When one of them needed support, it was like second nature for the other to be there. He sat up a little as he heard Ellen let herself in.

"Hey man, how's your day been?"

If he hasn't been so absorbed in his own miseries, he would have caught the edge in her voice. "Ugh, still feeling pretty shitty. You wanna get a pizza?"

As she walked around the couch and came into view, he realized something was wrong. Her eyes were puffy and her makeup was running. She set a heavy box on the coffee table. "Only if you're buying," she said in a wavering voice. "The fuckers laid me off today."

Instantly he was on his feet and hugging her while she cried softly onto his shoulder. "I don't know why I'm so upset." She said, sniffling a little. "I fucking hated that place."

Rob patted her on the back. "It's just a shock. You'll bounce back, and you'll be glad they're in your rearview mirror."

She felt a little comforted. Rob could always help her see the bigger picture. She pulled back and gave him a grateful smile. "Thanks. God, what a shitty week it's been, right?"

"Tell me about it. Wanna get fucked up?"

She was already opening his liquor cabinet. "You know it." She poured two generous tumblers of cheap scotch. "To shitty times."

He raised his glass. "And shitty drinks." As the glasses clinked together, Ellen had the strangest feeling. It was like a power had gone out from her. She had never felt anything like it. Fuck it, she thought, and drained the glass.

Rob had beaten her to it. He was gazing into his empty tumbler with the strangest look. It looked like... awe? She briefly wondered if there was something else in the scotch, but then she noticed something very strange. His cheeks were glowing slightly, as though he had a small lightbulb in his mouth. It made her think of those intricate jack-o'-lanterns where they created the illusion of depth by carving different layers of thinness.

He looked up and met her eyes. His gaze was vast and tranquil. He spoke softly.

"Thank you."