the man scratched his head and appeared to consider the question . calls came from everywhere , but not one was of any benefit . the waitress let out a little sigh , then headed off to get their waters , and another silence settled over the table in her wake , this one worse than the last . `` nope , but let 's not talk about that . but then again , what else would a real friend do ? '' i stared straight ahead , my eyes wide , my breathing shallow , but my body motionless . 