How to End a Love Story

Helen arrives at work to an empty office, only learning later that the others are all stuck in traffic or working from home. Helen runs into Grant on her way out and notices his obvious distress. He manages to explain that he is having a panic attack from seeing an accident on the freeway, and Helen coaches him through breathing and relaxation exercises. When he can speak again, he reluctantly explains that seeing car accidents triggers him. Helen immediately recognizes that this is because of Michelle’s death.

Helen takes Grant into his office, putting his head in her lap as they talk more. When he confesses that he was worried about being arrested all those years ago, Helen assures him she understands. Grant tells her that he doesn’t deserve comfort from her, but Helen tells him she is ready to hear his side of the story. Grant begins to speak.

Grant recalls the night of the accident. He attended a party where he sipped a beer. He left for a nostalgic sexual encounter with his ex-girlfriend, feeling slightly guilty because he also had plans with Lauren. Afterward, as he was driving, he was trying to decide whether to see Lauren or go home when he suddenly realized he was about to hit a person running into traffic: This was Michelle.