EOTD—“Smile” / by Nicholas Breeden

Max smiled toward Janet.

“What are you smiling at?”

“Nothing, in particular,” Max said, “just thinking.”

“Well stop it. You’re creeping me out.”

“I can’t help it. I’m in a good mood.”

“Well it is irritating me. I wish you’d stop.”

“What has you down?”

“Nothing.”

“That’s good, so smile.”

“Nothing I want to talk about.”

“Ok,” he said, shrugging his shoulder palm up stretched.

“Aren’t you going to press me on it?”

“No.” He extracted a book from his backpack, and thumbed it open.

“Why not?” She scowled.

“I’m just respecting your wishes,” he said leaning into his reading.