“You want one?”

Your best friend, Carlos, was sprawled on the couch beside you, the glow of the TV flickering across his face. He had come over to hang out, the two of you spending the night trading off between games and movies.

As the opening credits rolled on the next film, he unwrapped a sucker and popped it into his mouth, the faint sound of the wrapper crinkling. With a grin, he held another one out to you.

“They’re really good,” he said, his voice casual but teasing, as if daring you to try one.