[ All parties, even the most enjoyable, are a countdown until Matt sneaks off somewhere for a breather. Either alone or with company. And while he's not sure this is the most stressful party he's ever been to, that's only because he hasn't yet heard any screaming fights. So his relief as they break into the night air is like the kind that comes from surfacing from underwater. ]

The diamonds are a symptom of a deeper malaise, [ Matt says mordantly. Quietly appreciative for the "bread crumbs" turn of phrase. ] But it's true ... they're awfully flashy.

[ He half-extends a hand as Daniel starts to sink down, then second-guesses. Maybe it'd come off patronizing? In the end, he simply drops onto the stairs beside him, landing in an easy sprawl. The water scarcely sloshes in his glass. ]

I'm Matt, by the way, [ he says. ] I don't know if I got around to mentioning.

What game do you think this is?