Francis looked genuinely sad when Mable kept her brother from walking him out. He glanced up to Edmund and tried to look forgiving and give him an assuring smile.

He took the chance to go out of the door into the empty hallway and turned to rest his forehead on the other man's shoulder. "I am sorry. She really doesn't like me. This makes things difficult. " His head hung down and he held the other's hand in both of his.

"I really am going but.. I hope to see you soon. If I don't.." he looked from him to the closed door and back. Would the girl speak sense to him? Would he realize on his own after he sobered up how ridiculous this was? Francis would only drag him down. The idea made him stare hard at the ground. "We'll always be friends. Even.. when we don't see each other. " He turned to walk away .