The radio is loud and intrusive, playing music that doesn’t fit Todd’s mood at all; singing lyrics that are stupid and irrelevant and…. with a quick flick of his forefinger the noise is gone. Now the silence envelops Todd and he shudders as he drives.

This big car that he loves so much with Tom and Arielle seems so empty and lonely now. I’m such a loser, Todd thinks, depressed suddenly at his helpless loneliness. What am I if I can’t survive without someone by my side? I must be desperate. Then he remembers where he’s driving and why and his spirits lift again.

As he pulls into the university parking lot he looks around. There aren’t that many cars here at this time of night but there are a few. Determined and hopeful he gets out of the car and heads for the door.