<em>"Really, its fine, I wouldn't have offered if not, and the books... I don't think they are going to run away if you put them down".</em><br/>John dragged his damp back pack off the small pull down chair that swung straight back up to the carriage wall when the weight was removed. He placed his hand on it firmly, keeping it flat to let her put the pile down.<br/><em>"And you avoided telling me your name... I can take a hint, eventually...</em>"<br/>It bothered him that he wanted her to smile again. He outstretched his right arm, offering it as a means to help move the books.<br/><em>"I'll make you the best deal you'll get all day, you put the books down, take the arm rest and I'll tell you a story that's going to make anything else you've been through seem pleasent"</em><br/>He found himself smiling as he said it. It wasn't as though he had anything to lose from sharing with a stranger.