Cain shifted in his seat, feeling his heart race as he opened his mouth several times before asking Abel a question. "Maybe you'd want to hang out with me? I've never had a friend before." He realised how desperate and pathetic he had sounded and blushed, hanging his head in dejection. "Um... Never mind, I just..." He trailed off and stared hard at his finished speech, trying not to cry. He was waiting for the rejection, for Abel to say no. Of course the boy would say no. Who would want to be Cain's friend?

He tried to start proofreading his speech, but found it hard to concentrate. He felt his ears burning as if Abel was staring hard at him. Pathetic, he thought, hearing it as another voice. So stupid. Now you've scared him away.