"It's not me who needs a hospital," Michael muttered. For once, he wasn't rising to Roger's teasing. He was glad to see his friend, but it was true: he wasn't himself lately.
"Sounds good to me," he said, straightening up a little. "I'll tell you." He thought for a moment, trying to decide how to start the story. While he was thinking, the drinks arrived, and he took a good pull of his before starting. That gave him a little more courage. "Did I tell you about the one I met at that masked ball? A couple of months back?"