we're not on squeaking terms rn

the argument

Mark and Jim had been roommates some time now ever since Jim was threatened by Boots, staying together for safety and the comfort of having each other. Mark had noticed Jim had been acting distant lately, not talking to him as much and almost seemingly avoiding him some days, but figured if it was anything serious, he would tell him.After about a week, Mark realized he hasn't seen Jim anywhere at work and decided to confront him about it that afternoon when he finally saw him at home again.

Mark: Jimmy, buddy, ya' got a sec'?Jim: (He pauses what he's doing and looks over at Mark with a blank expression.) Hm.Mark: I was jus'... worried about ya' man. Ya' haven't been talkin' t'me none lately n' seems like somethin's botherin' ya' real bad, but I also ain't seen ya' around at work so I was wonderin' where you've been?Jim: (His expression sours, turning away and continuing to pack things away in his backpack.) I quit work.Mark: Y— What? Since when?! Why didn'tcha tell me?Jim: Since about a week ago.Mark: (He waits a moment for Jim to explain, but he doesn't.) So y'jus'-- weren't gonna tell me ya' upped n' quit work like that?! Ya'know we're supposed'ta be workin' together here n' the money's gonna help us--Jim: (He stops, turning to face Mark and stare him in the eyes with a cold look.) Stop it, Mark. (His expression turns a bit solemn.) I've been.. thinking a lot lately about everything that happened with Boots, and how after everything I'm just-- I'm never gonna be allowed back home with everyone else again, I really tried to not let it get to me because you were always so optimistic and made everything out here sound so good but it's-- it isn't good for me, I don't like it here Mark, I want to go home.

Mark looks petrified, feeling a lump in his throat form.

Mark: ... Jim y'— y'can't be serious about s-sayin' that, you know what happened you know what they did t' both me an' you-Jim: What they did to YOU, Mark! BECAUSE OF YOU! You're the reason I— (He pauses, biting his tongue and taking a quick breath.) I saw how happy you were out here making a life for yourself and- I was happy for you, I really was. And for a minute I thought maybe I could've done the same for myself because you made everything sound so-- so perfect. But then I ended up getting wrapped up in all of your-- (He's physically struggling to word what he wants to say, gesturing with his hands.) and I was stupid and impulsive and should've thought longer and harder before I just-- upped and threw everything away like I did and now I'm here! But I don't want to be here, I'm not meant to be out here like you, I miss being around the rest of us but now I can't even go back to them because I just had to get roped into your whole "escapade" and I don't know what the fuck I'm supposed to do now! (A few tears roll down his face.)Jim: I tried to have hope things would get better because at least I still had you and you were my friend, but-- it's like I don't even know you anymore, one moment you were my best friend I knew everything about and then you became a totally different person and I don't even know why I ever followed you out here!

It goes silent, the air in the room is tense. Mark is left speechless, his mind racing 100 thoughts per second. Jim finally turns around to zip up his backpack.

Jim: ... I need to get out of here. I don't know where, I just... I don't have much to take with me anyways, I'll take whatever I can carry and the rest is yours. I don't care.Mark: (His voice is hoarse and weak.) Jimmy, y' d-don't gotta- we can.. t-talk about this.. please, buddy...Jim: ... I'm not going back home, I know they wouldn't want me back and I don't.. I don't want to die in there. But I just.. can't stay here either, I don't know what I need but.. it's nothing here, I need to get away from here. (He throws the backpack straps around his shoulders, waiting a moment for Mark to say anything but being met with silence.) ... I'm sorry, Mark. It was nice to know you. I hope you're happy.
Mark is left speechless as Jim exits their— now just his— house, closing the door behind him.