18

You've barely taken a step away from the pet store doors, however, when the sound of your own name makes you turn on the spot.

To your surprise, you see Tobias walking towards you, looking a little out of breath.

"Hey—sorry, can't stop," he says as he comes to a halt just by your side. "Well, not for long. I was supposed to get, like, twenty pounds of kibble this morning, and I forgot, and—anyway, I need to get it and run home before Ma gets back after lunch."

He's still talking to you as he backs up between the automatic doors—but then he stops for a second as a thought occurs to him, and the doors stutter uncertainly on either side.

"By the way—it's, uh, my parents' anniversary? They're having this party later, and it's basically gonna be the most boring thing ever, so…"

He gives you a sort of uncertain smile, almost as if he's waiting to see your reaction. After a few moments, however, he swallows and shakes his head.

"No, it's not—not sure why I said that, really. I just probably won't know a lot of people. And I was thinking, um…maybe you could come? You know, only if—if you wanted to."

He's already backing through the doors, and you only have a second to reply. Quickly, you blurt out: