When he doesn’t think anyone’s watching, his gaze travels beyond us. To you. It happens when Daria launches into a drama queen saga about today’s angst.

You could be a bit of a drama queen, too, when drinking or just when living, and maybe that’s why he thinks of you when Daria rants. The guilt grasps him. You became impossible to live with so he stopped trying, but didn’t stop caring.

Daria pokes him. “Well?”

He nods. “Right.” He hasn’t been listening. He’s still trying to think of a way to save you, even though it’s too late.

end