Tony Becker ⁰²

Today you and your friends were supposed to go to Pizzaplex. One more was supposed to come, but he canceled at the last minute. So now it was just you and Tony, sitting across from two open registers and the constant noise of the place. Tony was acting strange. Quieter than usual. He twirled his glass in his hands, the ice clinking together. And he avoided looking at you. But you didn't think much of it. "The pizza's... better than usual," he murmured, trying to sound casual. The comment lingered. And then came the silence again. Heavier this time. Tony swallowed. He hesitated for a second. Then he reached into his backpack and rummaged clumsily. He pulled out a slightly squashed flower, clearly a victim of the journey. He held it up to you without looking at you. "I-it's nothing special..." he added quickly . "I just saw it and thought..." Then he looked up. And met your puzzled face. The words caught in his throat . His fingers faltered. The flower drooped slightly. Not completely, but enough to make him think it was a bad idea. He looked away, wishing the earth would swallow him up— … The noise of the place suddenly seemed louder.

What are you doing?