“In another solar system?” Chloe huffs. “We’ve noticed. But Sof and I are trying to help you pull this short together, and we love you and are so happy for you and Jack, and I know he’s the source of that stupid-ass goofball smile, so don’t try to play me. But get your house in order.”

I swallow hard. “Sorry.”

“Don’t say sorry. Just tell me what happens next,” Chloe says. “We’ve spent the past two weeks storyboarding and gearing up to engineer and rig these scenes with the Prince trying to conceal his spark, and now this Witch comes in and tells them they have to cut out pieces of their hearts.”

She looks to Sofía, who snaps her gum.

“What’s the Witch’s motivation?” Sofía finishes. “What’s her role in the story?”

“Well,” I begin. “She’s the one who cursed Thunder and Lightning, obviously.”

“Obviously,” Chloe repeats in frustration.

“I was thinking the Witch represents all the obstacles that they face,” I say. “You know, the idea that the spark they share is amazing and confusing and scary, and when they reunite, it creates a bolt of lightning, something these kingdoms haven’t seen since the Witch cursed the titans. It’s like they’re willing to do whatever they can for things to go back to normal. Because the alternative is the unknown.”

“So they just cut out their hearts?” Sofía asks. “Sounds extreme. Even for the gays.”

“Well, it’s part of their trials. What are they willing to give up?” Truth be told, I haven’t thought much past the Witch’s ask, but I know from my knowledge of the fairy tale structure that this is their moment of great trial.

“And?” Chloe asks, drumming her nails on the desk.

“I haven’t gotten there yet. But I know the Witch plays a larger role. Right?”

“Why?” Chloe’s nails clink harder and louder, and Leila clears her throat, a signal for us to be quieter.

“What if,” Sofía starts, “you remove the Witch physically from this stretch of the story? She can still loom overhead in the background, but it would let the Prince and the Knight actually explore their shared spark. What happens to the story then? Does it change the ending or make it stronger?”

I haven’t gotten that far yet, either. I don’t know what becomes of them. Is this a cautionary tale? One of romance and trusting your heart? A moral fable? Do they end up together just as the credits roll? Or are they fated by design to fall apart, to give in to the Witch’s manipulation, knowing their kingdoms wouldn’t accept them?