A cool breeze blew over us, giving me goosebumps as I waited for him to say more.

“Thanks.”

“For what?!” I laughed, trying to figure out what I did that was noteworthy.

“This. Being here. You.”

Did he mean that he simply appreciated my company, or had I taken him away from something bad at home. He never spoke about his home life. I must’ve looked puzzled for far too long because it made him grin and sort of chuckle. He blushed and looked down. “Joe, if you have something to say to me, just say it.”

“I..I wasn’t.. planning on this, tonight.” I waited for more, staring at my own feet in silent concentration. “I wasn’t.. planning on being here.”

At first I thought he meant he had a previous engagement and had canceled it for me and I was going to say how sweet he was, but then his words registered a deeper meaning. His face was cloudy, confirming my suspicions.

“You were going to.. kill yourself?” I nearly whispered.

He blinked back tears. I touched his shoulder. He leaned into mine and cried.