Tessa and Zed’s Unresolved Closeness

After We Collided

Zed’s early concern for Tessa becomes emotional intimacy and a possible alternative, but his own choices complicate the trust he offers.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Warning Unheeded A Warning Unheeded from "After We Collided". A Warning Unheeded Concern about the bet Zed wants Tessa to learn about the bet before Hardin can use it to win.

A Warning Unheeded from "After We Collided". A Warning Unheeded Concern about the bet Zed wants Tessa to learn about the bet before Hardin can use it to win.

A Warning Unheeded Concern about the bet Zed wants Tessa to learn about the bet before Hardin can use it to win. A conflict of loyalties He does not stop the scheme in time, leaving Tessa exposed to the humiliation he hoped to prevent.

A Consoling Friendship A Consoling Friendship from "After We Collided". A Consoling Friendship Support in isolation Zed gives Tessa companionship as she tries to move on from Hardin and rebuild daily life.

A Consoling Friendship from "After We Collided". A Consoling Friendship Support in isolation Zed gives Tessa companionship as she tries to move on from Hardin and rebuild daily life.

A Consoling Friendship Support in isolation Zed gives Tessa companionship as she tries to move on from Hardin and rebuild daily life. Feelings beneath kindness He admits that he has imagined a relationship with her, making the friendship emotionally complicated for them both.

A Kiss and a Retreat A Kiss and a Retreat from "After We Collided". A Kiss and a Retreat Grief seeks comfort Tessa kisses Zed after imagining a happier path she might have taken with him.

A Kiss and a Retreat from "After We Collided". A Kiss and a Retreat Grief seeks comfort Tessa kisses Zed after imagining a happier path she might have taken with him.

A Kiss and a Retreat Grief seeks comfort Tessa kisses Zed after imagining a happier path she might have taken with him. Boundaries return She recognizes that she is not ready to replace Hardin and refuses to turn Zed into a rebound, even while accepting his support.

The Glowing Flowers The Glowing Flowers from "After We Collided". The Glowing Flowers A hopeful metaphor Zed shows Tessa engineered flowers that glow when touched and tells her she deserves care that helps her shine.

The Glowing Flowers from "After We Collided". The Glowing Flowers A hopeful metaphor Zed shows Tessa engineered flowers that glow when touched and tells her she deserves care that helps her shine.

The Glowing Flowers A hopeful metaphor Zed shows Tessa engineered flowers that glow when touched and tells her she deserves care that helps her shine. The limits of persuasion His words move her, but she refuses another kiss while she remains uncertain about Hardin. Kindness cannot decide for her.

The Hospital Plea The Hospital Plea from "After We Collided". The Hospital Plea Injury and compassion Tessa visits Zed in hospital after Hardin breaks his nose and leaves him concussed.

The Hospital Plea from "After We Collided". The Hospital Plea Injury and compassion Tessa visits Zed in hospital after Hardin breaks his nose and leaves him concussed.

The Hospital Plea Injury and compassion Tessa visits Zed in hospital after Hardin breaks his nose and leaves him concussed. A painful request She asks him not to press charges, while he urges her to leave Hardin. Zed’s loyalty and romantic feelings place him in a difficult position.

Before Tessa and Hardin become a couple

After Tessa’s breakup

During the eleven-day separation

After Hardin returns

After Hardin attacks Zed on campus