MAXINE

Ronan was worried, of course, and he quickly patted my back and offered me a bottle of water. "Are you okay?" He asked.

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks." I replied, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.

Ronan didn't notice my shift in mood. Or, he tried to get me out of it. He told me about the responsibilities and challenges he faced. He was a good storyteller. I could imagine everything he said. Soon, I found myself hanging on every word. The guilt was long forgotten.

I ...