The Concubine Stone: The End of a Friendship?

"There you are," Karyn said, running up from behind Jon, as they left the school at the end of the day. "I thought we agreed to talk during lunch? Were you *avoiding* me?" she asked. "Actually, yes," Jon said. "Why?" "Karyn, we spend too much time with each other. I think that maybe we're getting too close. People talk, you know." "What are you talking about? Jon, you're my best friend. I *want* to spend a lot of time with you." "And that's the problem, Karyn," Jon nearly snapped. "My best friend should be a guy. Not you." "I didn't know you felt this way." "Well, I do. Okay? Just ... just leave me alone," he said, then walked off.