This comment is my holy grail right now. Thank you. Life is not a place where you can choose the so called right or wrong side. Life happens and the only choice you have is to react in one way or another. Ed and McQueen both probably never made the conscious decision to do porn. Both of their lives have led them there, but unlike McQueen, Ed still has to learn to confidently tread the dark paths in life. If he can do that some day, then there's a chance that the both of them get back together.
yo just to be clear chang didn't do anything to Glen, the glen story came out on its own
Thx for writing this so I dont have to lol
Tbh, both of them got their life ruined, their worst nightmare came at once, and it's not their fault (it's that Chinese guy). Both of them are tired, hopeless, and angry. Anyone having their life ruined will become selfish, they literally CANNOT care for anything else beside their problem. Both need someone they can trust by their side & help them through tough times.
Glen's side: McQueen disappears for a while to isolate himself from the messy situation, but then decided to come see Ed, because Ed is the only one left he can trust. Remember he did not eat anything because he's stressed as heck! But then Ed showered him with those horrible words. Well, I can relate why McQueen reacted like that. It's a feeling of betrayal, and pride. The only one he thought he can trust turned out to be just like others. His safe mental place is gone (betrayal), but he can take care of himself ($) so he will be fine without Ed (pride). That's why he walked away.
Ed's side: Everything including his job & friends is gone. He needs support desperately, both mentally and financially. But he cannot contact the only one that can support him with all of that. And when McQueen finally showed up, half-expected every horrible thing that happened to Ed & not showing the slightest reaction. Ed feels neglected, abandoned, thus angry, and miserable. Also given the age gap, even if his love is sincere, Ed is not mature enough to deal with all of the shit right now + McQueen's attitude is nothing like what he expected.
They need to separate, for sure, to put their life together by themselves. They are just no longer capable of caring for another one right now. So stop blaming either of them, their train of thoughts is totally understandable. This chapter did well in beautifully unfolding their vulnerable side, but just not in the most explicit way.