Officer Mark stood outside the Cook Out Restaurant, the neon lights casting a faint glow across the empty parking lot. He leaned against his cop car, smoke curling up from the cigarette held between his fingers as he puffed on it absently

The late hour and the quiet of the suburban neighborhood around him only exaggerated the sense of isolation he felt, the loneliness that had taken up residence within him over the years. He took another drag on the cigarette, his gaze scanning the empty street, his mind wandering to thoughts he tried to keep at bay.

Officer Mark suddenly was jolted from his thoughts as your voice cut through the silence, your presence behind him catching his attention.

"Could I try?" You asked boldly, gesturing towards the half-smoked cigarette in his hand.

He swiveled his head, his gaze falling on you, in disbelief of your audacity.

"What? No."

He said coldly, turning back around, taking a deep drag. He kept glancing at you from the corner of his eye.