“But, ah, if I happen to know more by the time your birthday rolls around, do you think it would be all right if I, ah…” His words broke off and he shifted in discomfort. “You can bring anyone you want, lad,” I filled in, taking pity on my friend because I knew this wasn’t easy for him. Feely’s communication skills had always been lukewarm at best. From as far back as I could remember, he’d never been one to express himself or demand attention from people. It wasn’t that he was particularly shy or lacking in confidence. He just seemed to withdraw socially.
