Snippet #2156992

At this point, Tom was glad he went on this walk. Ideas slowly, but surely, started to arise in his head. The cool air was refreshing, just the thing he needed. At one point, he thought he was on to something, and slowly reached for his notepad when a shaky hand suddenly came out and grabbed his shoulder. He jumped in surprise at the sudden gesture, and a million thoughts of getting mugged or murdered ran through his head. But then he heard the man talk, and was pretty sure that he wasn't a killer, although mugging was starting to become more likely... Then the jittery, nervous man claimed to be his acquaintance. Do I know this guy? Moreover, do I want to know this guy?

He quickly searched his memory of this shady character, and finally remembered him. It was Phil, his neighbor. He had seen him once laughing hysterically with some drinking friends, and another time when an angry girl stormed out of his apartment, Phil begging her to "come back to bed". Tom hadn't expected to come into contact with anyone, let alone someone he knew. Oh boy, my lack of social contact is finally starting to bite me in the butt... But then Tom thought that this could potentially be good material. Bumping into an old friend, striking up casual conversation which could lead to betrayal, or a secret, or... The ideas kept coming, and Tom could not let this opportunity get away. Ok, now... What do friend do together again? After some deep thinking, Tom casually cleared his dry throat, and said, "Hey, uh, Phil. Cash? I, don't really have much on me right now, but we could go get some coffee if you want..." He was proud of himself, being able to make such a normal and social suggestion. This surely is going to be worth it, right?