Conrad and Belly broke up primarily due to Conrad's overwhelming grief following the death of his mother, Susannah, which created significant emotional distance between them and ultimately led to their separation at prom.
Their relationship, which blossomed from sweet phone calls into dates and an intimate night at the Cousins Beach house, faced an insurmountable challenge when Susannah passed away. Conrad's deep sorrow caused him to pull away from Belly, making it difficult for them to connect and sustain their relationship.
The Impact of Grief on Their Relationship
Susannah's death was a pivotal moment that profoundly affected Conrad. His grief manifested in ways that pushed Belly away, creating a wedge between them that they could not overcome at that time.
Key factors contributing to their breakup included:
- Emotional Distance: Conrad's grief made him withdraw emotionally, preventing him from being present for Belly or sharing his feelings effectively.
- Lack of Communication: The emotional distance naturally led to a breakdown in communication, where Belly struggled to understand Conrad's behavior, and Conrad was unable to articulate his pain or needs.
- Differing Coping Mechanisms: While Belly also grieved Susannah, Conrad's way of coping involved internalizing his pain, which clashed with Belly's desire for closeness and support in their relationship.
Timeline of Their Relationship and Breakup
The progression of their relationship to its end point can be summarized as follows:
| Stage | Description | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Early Romance | Sweet phone calls evolved into dates, including an intimate night. | A budding, hopeful relationship. |
| Susannah's Death | A tragic event that deeply impacted Conrad and his family. | Conrad's grief begins to consume him. |
| Growing Distance | Conrad's grief leads to emotional withdrawal and a lack of connection. | Strain on the relationship becomes evident. |
| Prom Night Breakup | The culmination of unresolved issues and emotional distance. | Conrad and Belly decide to part ways. |
The prom night served as the definitive end of their first attempt at a romantic relationship, driven by the profound and isolating effects of Conrad's grief.
