Carson seems to deflate a little, resting back against the counter and rubbing at his eye. After everything I've come to learn about Carson, there's no question that what I've done hurt him, even if he won't ever admit as much. After all, I suppose it's easier to be angry than to show anyone you might be hurting.

"You don't have to accept my apology," I tell him after a moment. "I mean, I'd like you to, obviously, or I wouldn't be here. But I know I've upset you regardless of my reasons. You're allowed to be mad at me even if I didn't know it was your birthday at the time and even though I really doubt I could've stopped you getting punched at all. Though I am really sorry that happened to you," I add quickly, very nearly stepping forward to reach for him though I catch myself just in time.

"I'd still like to be your friend," I continue with a sort of awkward one-shouldered shrug. "And I'll understand if you need to think about that, too. I promise the next time you invite me to something -- if you ever invite me to something again -- I absolutely won't bail on you at the last minute."