1996

A long look in the mirror. Since their separation, he has gained weight. From his memories, Jack constructs an image of Bethany as best he can. Her body stands nude next to him in the dressing booth, flexible as grass, pink and free and nothing like the women in Jack's magazines. The left hip sets just so, letting for a stance like a Greek statue. In times of doubt, he would place the crux of his palm there. It was somewhere for him to go.

meet me in the past, remember me in the future

whiskey's all gone and it's too cold in this house. something i've been working on.

"I'm all out of ideas, Beth." Their eyes come together on a grid in space, not between them but above both their heads, and Jack understands before she says
"Nobody cares about philosophy anymore."
It's a punch in the chest but Jack knows better than to take it personal. The way he sees this, it is an invitation by Bethany to resist the future. This must be the real reason why she's had him meet her for dinner.