"I get it," says Johnny, more or less gently, letting his eyes slide over to Tim. "But I'm not too safe myself. I figure it balances out."

He taps ash again, then takes another thoughtful drag, attempts to blow a smoke ring, fails. "You don't have to explain shit," he says. "It's okay. I'm just borrowing a cigarette, and I'm cold, and I didn't want to sit alone." That's all this has to be.