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The sun beaming from the cloudy glass windows casted an overwhelming glare on the red walls of the restaurant, reflecting a lively ambience on everyone inside. Specs of dust caught in the light glowed like fireflies, and the normal clamor of people dining-in reverberated throughout McDonald’s. Ivan and Alfred sat across from each other at one of the many bright red booths by the windows, enjoying a meal. Ivan glanced at his paper wrapped burger with slight nervousness despite his happy mood. These portions are huge. As expected of America, he determined. Ivan looked towards Alfred. He eats like a pig, da, he laughed to himself. Recently, the two had begun to get along, disregarding their obvious differences and becoming close enough to enjoy each other’s company while sharing a meal. Alfred had wanted to have a McDonald’s day out with Ivan, and truthfully, he had been over the moon at this and every other invitation he received from his friend. It was rare for someone to welcome Ivan’s presence from their own will without shivering in nervousness or avoiding his gaze. Whenever there was someone with him, Ivan seemed to feel less cold. He looked at the man in front of him, and the peace of their lovely outing seemed to have rewired his brain a little. Maybe it was the glow of the sun’s rays settling on Alfred’s face combined with his own good mood, but Ivan couldn’t help but observe the features of the companion he saw most frequently. The way Alfred’s dirty blonde hair hugged his face and the wide grin that never seemed to disappear made Ivan’s own small smile form. For a moment, the only thing in his world was the two of them face-to-face, sitting together in the illumination of the late afternoon sun, and the large pile of burger wrappers in front of them. He paused, pile of burger wrappers? Ivan’s little daydream was interrupted by the stammering of a waitress’s timid protests against his lively acquaintance.“Sir? Not to offend, but this is the 28th McDouble you’ve ordered in the last 20 minutes, I’m just a little concerned, are you really sure you want another?”