After The Silence

the one where Ronnie doesn't talk

This is where s2 starts

this storyline will involve self-harm, mental health, and emotional trauma, all approached realistically and compassionately, if you ever thought or do self harm please talk to someone because you matter

Cold Open – Monica and Rachel’s Apartment

The group is chatting casually about their summer. Chandler is distracted.

"So, Ross saw a monkey poop in another monkey’s hand and call it “love.” That’s how serious it got." Monica said to the group

"Marcel has matured. We’re working through it." Ross said

"I got a tan!" Joey said excitedly

"You also lost your job." Rachel told him

"But I kept the tan."

Everyone laughs—except Chandler. He forces a smile. Monica notices.

"Hey, where’s Ronnie?" Monica asks him

"She stayed home." He said quietly

"Is she still... not talking?" Rachel asked

(nods)
"It’s been a few weeks. She barely eats. She locks her door. She skips school sometimes. I tried everything—jokes, pancakes, even letting her wear combat boots to dinner. Nothing."he told the group

"Did you ask her soul how it’s doing?" Phoebe said to him

(blinks)
"Yes. It told me to try her favorite cereal instead."

(Cue theme song.)

---

Chandler’s Apartment (Later that Evening)

Ronnie is sitting on the couch, hood up, sketchbook open, eyes hollow. Chandler walks in, tired from work but trying to stay upbeat.

"Hey. Guess what I did today? I successfully convinced my boss that the copier jammed itself out of grief." He told her

No reaction.

"Still nothing, huh?" He asked concerned

She shrugs faintly. He sits beside her, careful not to crowd her.

"I know things are bad. But I'm here, okay? I'm always here. Whether you want to talk, scream, or throw a Pop-Tart at my head... just say the word." He tries to light up the mood

Ronnie doesn’t respond. She closes the sketchbook and goes to her room.

---

Chandler’s Apartment (Night)

Chandler walks past Ronnie’s door and sees light under it. Something doesn’t feel right. He knocks.

"Ronnie? You okay?" He asked outside the door

No answer. He hesitates, then opens the door gently. Ronnie is asleep, but her sleeve is rolled slightly up, and he notices faint marks on her arm.

(softly)
"Oh my God…" his voice shake

(He quietly backs out of the room and closes the door, shaken.)

---

Monica and Rachel’s Apartment (Next Morning)

Chandler sits at the kitchen table, pale. Monica pours him coffee.

"You look like you haven’t slept." Monica told him

"I didn’t. I found something... on Ronnie’s arm." He said faintly

(softly)
"Like...?" Rachel asked

(nodding)
"She’s hurting herself. I didn’t want to believe it. I thought she was just... sad. But this is more. This is serious." He says doesn't know what to do

(gently)
"Sometimes the pain inside is too loud, and hurting on the outside makes it feel quieter." Phoebe said

"You need to get her help, Chandler." Ross told him

"I don’t even know how to bring it up. I feel like if I say the wrong thing, she’ll just shut down more." He said

"Then don’t say the wrong thing. Just tell her you see her. And that she’s not invisible." Monica told him

---

Chandler and Ronnie’s Apartment (Later)

Chandler knocks softly on her door. She opens it, barely.

"Hey. Can we talk?"

She nods slowly. He comes in, sits on the edge of the bed.

"I saw the marks, Ronnie. I didn’t want to. But I did." He told her

She tenses, looks down. Shame floods her face.

"I didn’t mean for you to—" she said faintly

(interrupting gently)
"You don’t have to explain. I just need you to hear this: I love you. You don’t have to go through this alone. You don’t have to earn love by hiding pain." He said to her

She starts crying silently. He pulls her into a hug, and for the first time in a long time, she doesn’t pull away.

"We’re gonna get help. Real help. Together." He told her

---

Chandler quietly books her first therapy appointment. Joey offers to come for moral support. Chandler tears up, whispering, “Thank you.”