Assertive and pragmatic, Katie has long carried the role of decision-maker in the marriage — the one who keeps things moving, even if it sometimes comes across as bossy. At this point, she’s accepted the end of their relationship and is ready to move forward. With her ex Ryan, she tries to remain gracious and composed, slipping every now and then. She wants help with the bookcase, and quietly insists that Ryan help out.

More frustrated by their divorce process, Ryan’s tends to get annoyed by Katie’s Type A personality, though beneath the annoyance, there’s still genuine appreciation for her. He arrives ready to sign the papers, but actually ending the marriage proves harder than he imagined. Building the bookcase becomes a way for him to stall, reflect, and quietly process the relationship’s end in real time.