The last of the crowd exits. VERONICA sets the fire extinguisher down next to DANTE. DANTE is sitting on the floor, head in his folded arms.

It looked like Tiananmen Square in here for a second.

DANTE is silent

"Thank you, Veronica; you saved me from an extremely ugly mob scene."

DANTE remains silent.

(sits beside him)

Okay, champ. What's wrong?

DANTE lifts his head and shoots her a disgusted look

All right, stupid question. But don't you think you're taking this a bit too hard?

DANTE
Too hard?! I don't have enough indignities in my life - people start throwing cigarettes at me!

VERONICA
At least they weren't lit.

DANTE
I hate this fucking place.

VERONICA
Then quit. You should be going to school anyway...

DANTE
Please, Veronica. Last thing I need is a lecture at this point.

VERONICA
All I'm saying is that if you're unhappy you should leave.

DANTE
I'm not even supposed to be here today!

VERONICA
I know. I stopped by your house and your mom said you left at like six or something.

DANTE
The guy got sick and couldn't come in.

VERONICA
Don't you have a hockey game at two?

DANTE
Yes! And I'm going to play like shit because I didn't get a good night's sleep.

VERONICA
Why did you agree to come in then?

DANTE
I'm only here until twelve, then I'm gone. The boss is coming in.

VERONICA
Why don't you open the shutters and get some sunlight in here?

DANTE
Somebody jammed the locks with gum.

VERONICA
You're kidding.

DANTE
Bunch of savages in this town.

VERONICA
You look bushed. What time did you get to bed?

DANTE
I don't know - like two-thirty, three.

VERONICA
What were you doing up so late?

DANTE
(skirting)
Hunhh? Nothing.

VERONICA
(persistent)
What were you doing?

DANTE
Nothing! Jesus! I gotta fight with you now?

VERONICA
Who's fighting? Why are you so defensive?

DANTE
Who's defensive? Just... Would you just hug me?! All right? Your boyfriend was accosted by an angry mob, and he needs to be hugged.

She stares at him.

DANTE
What? What is that?

VERONICA
She called you, didn't she?

DANTE
Oh, be real! Would you... Would you please hug me? I just went through a very traumatic experience and I haven't been having the best day so far. Now come on.

VERONICA stares at him.

DANTE
What? What's with that look?! I wasn't talking to anyone, especially her! Look at you, being all sort of... I don't know... stand-offish.

VERONICA looks away.

DANTE
Fine. You don't trust me, don't hug me. I see how it is. All right Pissy-pants, you just go on being suspicious and quiet. I don't even want to hug you at this point.

VERONICA looks back at him.

DANTE
(pleadingly)
Give you a dollar?