Mike fell silent then, and stood without a word. He dropped forty dollars on the bar and left without a word.

He hopped into his truck and drove around for hours.

"Fuck that," he said. He said it again. And again. And again.

The voice immediately began to protest, and then to threaten, then beg and plead.

Mike felt like his whole world had been shattered.

He didn't speak to Matt for about a month after that night, unless it was about work. He was a ghost in the office, barely seen. Then, finally, he decided that he needed to clear the air between them.

"I think you're right," Mike...