The Uber arrives and Jasper checks that he’s texted Ryan and definitely hasn’t received a reply before he helps Simon in the back and climbs in after him. Simon gives the driver his address, and they begin the trip in an uncomfortable silence.
“Long-distance relationships don’t work,” Simon speaks after a few minutes.
Jasper stays silent, hoping Simon won’t try to engage him in this self-loathing.
“Eventually, someone cheats. It’s too hard to commit to one person when that person is so far away, and you never get to talk to them. You end up empty and you can’t fill the emptiness with nothing. It’s the truth. You know what I am talking about because you felt it when Ryan was away. How good it feels for your soul, to have someone say things and do things and touch you in a way you are so
