#him making an executive call to stop efnisien from pushing himself too hard?

[not-poignant]

Excerpt from chapter 14 of Constellations:

Gwyn pursed his lips. ‘Why are you forcing yourself to do this now?’ ‘How insane is it, that I can’t eat around you?’ Efnisien burst out. ‘You with like, all the food shit you went through with Crielle, and now you’re a dietitian, and you know all about food, and I can’t even…’ Efnisien paused and looked to the side, mouth open, and he shook his head. ‘It’s so embarrassing. And I know I get better about eating around others once I just start, but… You got really good at food, and I’m still shit at it, and it’s so stupid with what she put you through. She put you through so much. And what, she stabs me like one time, and I can’t eat in front of you anymore?’ Gwyn was pretty sure he was watching a meltdown happen in real time. He thought about how controlling he could be, thought about how distressed Efnisien was, and then made an executive call. Fuck it, Efnisien could hate him later. He stood and picked up his plate. And then he walked around the counter and picked up Efnisien’s plate. And Efnisien watched him take it and then made a noise of protest ‘I can do it!’ Efnisien said. ‘I know you can,’ Gwyn said, putting both plates down near the sink. ‘But you’re super upset, and this isn’t a competition. It doesn’t invalidate me or my problems that you have an eating disorder. You’re pushing yourself too hard.’