Winter Is Coming… For Your Favorites

This story contains spoilers for ‘Game Of Thrones.’

We’re sitting around a table at our local pub, drinks in hand, when my mate starts talking about how they’ve finally gotten into ‘Game of Thrones.’

Friend: “I don’t know why I waited so long to watch it. I’m hooked. My favourites so far? Ned and Cat Stark, Robert Baratheon, Khal Drogo… I know everyone loves that Jon Snow guy, but I think the oldest brother, Robb, is way more compelling.”

The rest of us immediately share a look. No one says a word. He notices.

Friend: “…What? Why are you all looking at each other like that?” *Laughs, making a joke.* “Lemme guess… they all die, right?”

We stay quiet.

Me: “[Friend’s Name], remember how you said you hate it when people lie? For any reason? Even little white lies?”

There’s a pause. He stares at us, looking like a balloon slowly losing air. He calls out the bar.

Friend: “Whiskey! Neat!”

He looks at me.

Friend: “Even Catelyn Stark?”

Us: “…”

Friend: *To the barman.* “Make it a double!”

We all raise our glasses.