“Just don’t—“ Don’t overdo it, is what he wants to say; it’s better to know when she’s hurting than to have her try to cover it up with smiles.

He watches her as she stands, imagining that she simply needs a break. And then, as she comes in closer, assuming with some nervousness that she’s coming in for a hug.

But no. Something infinitely more terrifying.

Turning bright red, he squeaks in a most un-gangsterly fashion and drops his shovel.