I was half asleep. I was thinking, but I can't tell you what I was thinking about. Maybe I will once I understand it, myself. So, quite bugging me. I have a lot on my mind...

Someone shook me awake. "What is it, Dal?" I said, groggily.

"Dally?!" the voice said. The voice, it wasn't Dally. I jerked upward, but couldn't open my eyes to see who it was. I was too tired.

"Wh-who?..." I asked, blinking slightly.

"It's me," the voice said, shyly, "Johnny."

I opened my eyes, still groggy, "Hey, Johnnycakes," I looked up at him, "What's up?"

"Well," Johnny said, looking down at his shoes, "I... Nevermind." He started walking toward the door.

"Wait!" I nearly yelled. He jumped and turned around. I calmed down and look him in the eye, sincerely. "Johnny,... what's wrong?"

"Nothing." he said, avoiding eye contact. "I'm fine..."

I patted the seat next to me, "Johnny,... Sit down... Talk to me..."