"We could play a word game, Miss Hayes."
"A word game, Mr. Viola?"
"Despite the hour or so we have to look forward to of staring at same four walls of this elevator, we can provide our own mental stimulation to help pass the time."
Heavy sigh.
"Miss Hayes?"
"Very well, Mr. Viola."
"Do you have a game in mind?"
"I couldn't care less."
"Oh. May I suggest Twenty Questions, a time-honored—"
"Fine. You go first."
"Ladies first is my credo."
"Animal, vegetable, or mineral?"
"That isn't a yes or no – " Quickly: "None of the above."
"Is it a thing?"
"Not as such."
"Do you know when it's there?"
"One hopes so."
"Have I ever experienced it?"
"Certainly."
"Can a person create it?"
"Yes."
"Destroy it?"
"Such misfortunes occur."
"Can you feel it?"
"Yes."
"But can't touch it?"
"Correct."
"Is it an emotion?"
"Not precisely."
"Can it involve more than one person?"
"Always."
"More than two?"
"Quite frequently."
"Mr. Viola?"
"Yes, Miss Hayes?"
"Is it friendship?"
"Yes."
Smile.
end