" I wanted to ask you something.”
“Do I have to answer?”
“Only if you want to.”
“I really don’t.”
“Okay.”
“For fuck’s sake.” He sighs and turns to look at me. “What is it?”
I feel a bit stupid now But I started this, so I have to forge on. I rub my hands together. “Well, I was just wondering…are we…friends?”
“Wait.” He holds up a hand. “Have I just defied the laws of time and travelled back to grade school?”
“Funny.”
“I know. And, no, Red, we aren’t friends.”
“Oh. Right.” My heart dips. I bite my lower lip to stop it from turning down.
He sighs again. “I don’t do friends, Carrie.” His voice is lower now. “But if I did, then you’d be the closest thing I have to one. "

― Samantha Towle , River Wild