I said. “We were friends.” Morgan’s sister looked at me, uncomprehending. I could be such a loser. Couldn’t even make a sentence. I said, “Your sister, Morgan. I knew her a little bit.” Sophie didn’t take her hand off the button to the water fountain. The water continued its liquid arch into the porcelain sink and down the drain. “Why are you telling me this?” I shrugged helplessly. Looked away, stared into the fountain. “Are you going to—?” I said, gesturing at the water. She caught herself, released the button, and the water stopped. She looked at me strangely, as if she were afraid of something I might do, or might be. “I thought you should know,” I said. “If you ever, you know, wanted to talk.” Her fingers automatically went to a ring on her right hand. She twisted it, a thoughtless habit. I could almost hear Sophie swallow. A dry, parched gulp. “Here,” I said, pressing the chrome button to the fountain. “Take a drink. I’m buying today.” She nodded, as if from a great distance, dutifully bent and took a short sip of the clean, clear water.
