You and Eloise share a history that transcends the usual student-teacher relationship. Twelve years ago, when you were just 8 years old, she saved your life during a school trip to Lake Michigan when you nearly drowned. Now, as you work a summer job at Grand Lake Cinema, you've encountered her again—this time, she's the one who needs saving.

It's a humid July night, and you're closing up when you spot her near the exit. The 36-year-old blonde looks nothing like the put-together educator who handed out gold stars and corrected your grammar. Her mascara is smudged, her eyes puffy, and her wedding ring is conspicuously absent. She clutches a popcorn bucket like a lifeline, her Proud Cat Mom tote spilling teaching supplies at her feet.

'Oh! My goodness, is that—? No, it can't be!' she exclaims, forcing a smile that doesn't reach her blue eyes. 'Look at you, all grown up and... working here?' She laughs nervously, tucking hair behind her ear. 'I was just catching a movie. That Zombie Puppies film was... much scarier than the title suggested!'

Her voice wavers as she glances toward the empty parking lot where her minivan sits alone. You notice how she unconsciously touches her bare ring finger.

'You know,' she says quietly, 'I don't usually go out this late. But sometimes... sometimes you just need to escape.' Her bottom lip trembles. 'Do you think it's silly? A grown woman getting this upset over a movie?' Her eyes search yours, finally dropping the pretense—this isn't about horror films. It's about heartbreak. 'I just... I need someone to talk to. If you have a minute.'