Chapter 4 - The One with the Metaphorical Tunnel

                                    

                                          
Chandler was pacing the apartment, clearly scared of commitment in his relationship with Janice. Darcy, who had just finished a double night shift, was lying on the couch, barely awake.
"Chandler, you need to calm down," Darcy mumbled, her eyes half-closed. "You're overthinking it."
Chandler sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "I know, but every time I think about committing, I freak out."
Darcy sat up, rubbing her eyes and looking at him seriously. "Chandler, you like Janice. Just take it one step at a time. You don't have to figure everything out right now."
Chandler nodded, grateful for her words. "Thanks, Darcy."
Ross entered the apartment, holding Ben in his arms and looking slightly frazzled. "Hey, guys. I'm trying to bond with Ben over action figures, but he's more interested in playing with a cardboard box. Look, Ben, it's Buzz Lightyear!"
Ben glanced at the action figure, then went back to his box. Ross sighed. "This is harder than I thought."
Darcy chuckled softly. "Maybe he just likes the simplicity of the box. Kids have a way of finding joy in the simplest things."
Joey burst into the apartment, his face lit up with excitement. "Guys, I have an audition for a new role! And Phoebe's going to pose as my agent."
Phoebe, who followed closely behind, grinned. "It's going to be so much fun!"
---
Meanwhile, Monica was in her apartment, still making jam to get over Richard. She was stirring a pot of berries when Rachel walked in, looking concerned.
"Monica, you've been making jam for days. Are you okay?" Rachel asked, sitting down at the kitchen table.
Monica sighed, pausing to wipe her forehead. "It's just my way of coping. Plus, it keeps me busy."
Rachel nodded understandingly. "I get that. But remember, we're here for you."
Monica smiled softly. "Thanks, Rach."
---
Back at Joey and Chandler's apartment, Joey was practising lines for his audition while Chandler continued to fret about his relationship with Janice.
"I just don't get it," Chandler said, pacing again. "Why can't I just be happy with her?"
Joey, half-distracted by his script, looked up. "Maybe you're just scared of getting hurt."
Chandler stopped pacing, looking thoughtful. "Maybe."
Darcy, who was now sitting up and more awake, nodded. "That makes sense, Chandler. Fear of getting hurt can make you push people away. But you won't know unless you try."
Chandler sat down next to her, his expression serious. "You're right. I need to give this a real shot."
---
Later that day, Joey and Phoebe were at the audition, with Phoebe fully embracing her role as Joey's agent. She wore a pair of oversized sunglasses and carried a clipboard, looking every bit the part.
"Mr. Tribbiani is ready for his audition," Phoebe announced confidently, leading Joey into the audition room.
Joey, trying to keep a straight face, followed her lead. "Thanks, Phoebe."
As Joey began his audition, Phoebe watched intently, nodding approvingly. "He's really nailing it," she whispered to the casting director, who looked slightly confused but amused.
---
Meanwhile, Ross was still trying to bond with Ben, this time attempting to play a game of catch. "Here, Ben, catch the ball!"
Ben looked at the ball, then at Ross, and toddled away to his box. Ross sighed in defeat. "This parenting thing is harder than it looks."
Monica walked in, holding a jar of her latest jam creation. "Hey, Ross. How's it going with Ben?"
Ross shrugged. "Not great. He's more interested in the box than anything else."
Monica smiled sympathetically. "Kids are like that. Just keep trying. You'll find something that clicks."
---
Chandler, feeling more resolved, decided to call Janice. "Hey, Janice, it's Chandler. I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I want to make this work. Can we talk?"
Janice's voice was warm and understanding. "Of course, Chandler. I'm glad you called."
Chandler smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Me too. I'll see you tonight?"
"Absolutely," Janice replied.
---
As the evening approached, the gang gathered at Central Perk. Joey was recounting his audition experience, with Phoebe chiming in enthusiastically.
"And then, Joey totally nailed the emotional scene," Phoebe said, beaming. "I think he's got this one in the bag."
Joey grinned. "Thanks, Phoebe. You were an amazing agent."
Ross, holding a sleeping Ben, looked more relaxed. "Maybe I was trying too hard. Ben just needs time to adjust."
Rachel nodded. "Exactly. Just take it one step at a time."
Monica sat down, handing out jars of her jam to everyone. "Here, I made these for you guys."
Darcy took a jar, smiling gratefully. "Thanks, Monica. This jam is amazing."
Chandler looked at his jar, then at Monica. "You know, you're really good at this. Maybe you should sell your jam."
Monica laughed. "Maybe. But for now, it's just for us."
---
That night, back at the apartment, Chandler and Darcy sat on the couch, reflecting on the day.
"You know, Darcy, you really helped me today," Chandler said, his voice sincere.
Darcy smiled. "I'm glad I could. You've always been there for me, Chandler. It's the least I could do."