all too well . . .

“Life is already a big theater, people are always acting.”

“I can’t argue with that.”

“Okay.” He nodded back, trying to think of something to say, but nothing came to mind. It was obvious she was upset. But he couldn’t make her talk. And he had no right to. “Well, I hope that-- I hope that you’re better than okay soon.”

“Would it be less nice to meet me if my name wasn’t Kit?”

“Oh, yes, totally. If your name was Justin, I would hate meeting you.”

The words she said were almost as unexpected as the smile that lit up her face at his offer, but it was a big city and he’d sort of made a friend -- he didn’t want her to get away from him just yet. He wouldn’t think anything else of it, even if he was afraid that he would, and Malcolm nodded, took her phone and typed in his number, double checking it before holding it out to her. “Done.”

“I’m dramatic, sorry. Oh, being allergic to chocolate must be the worst thing on earth.”

“No need to apologize. I don’t know about the worst, I think you’re doing the dramatic thing again -- but it would be pretty bad.”

“Okay then.” He laughed once, taking a step away. This was the part he was bad at -- socializing when there was no longer anything to talk about. His mind was drifting back to its usual thoughts, and he just stood there for a minute, not sure if he was supposed to just walk away or not. Why did he have so much trouble acting like a normal human being these days? “Maybe.”

“Are you sure?” He hated the question himself. But he had to ask. “Because... when I say I’m fine, I’m usually not. And you don’t... look fine.”

“Those people who doesn’t like chocolate should just die. I mean, how can you enjoy life without chocolate? And why would you even be alive if you’re not enjoying your life?”

“Well, that’s kind of dramatic. But they’re missing out on a lot. There are people who are allergic to it, too, you know. That’s really sad.”

“Yeah, I think it is. Never met another one therefore to me at least it is original. Well, thank you I think. I’m sorry but I’m not exactly sure what to say now - I’m not exactly a people person.”

“Well, there is that show -- Malcolm in the Middle or whatever. You’re welcome, I think. It’s okay, neither am I. I kind of used to be, but things change.”

“S-sorry. I’m just having a really bad day today. You can go have fun at the beach. Just be careful.”

“Oh. Are you... are you okay?”

“Malcolm, I like it. Pretty original. I suppose I should also introduce myself - you know to be fair. I’m Carter.”

“Is it, really? To be fair. It’s nice to meet you. Carter is pretty original too.”