Let-s-not-stay-friends

The silence that followed wasn't the comfortable kind they were used to. It was sharp and jagged. Mark leaned back, his brow furrowed. You don’t mean that. You’re just hurt.

I am hurt, Elias admitted, leaning forward. But that’s not why. If we stay friends, I’m going to call you when I have a bad day. I’m going to want to tell you about the promotion I might get, or the weird dream I had last night. And you’ll listen, because you’re a good person. So? Mark asked. That’s what friends do. let-s-not-stay-friends

Shift the (e.g., more dramatic, cynical, or even a comedy) Add a specific setting or background conflict The silence that followed wasn't the comfortable kind

He walked out into the cool evening air, feeling lighter with every step, leaving the lukewarm coffee and the ghosts behind him. You don’t mean that