politics at a party

I don't feel like fighting you. We both want it so badly, it's hard to resist - you're barking out accusations and trying to drill holes in my face with your piercing eyes, and I can't help but say something stupid because it's just so evident that you want me to, anything to justify ripping me to shreds. That why you look strangely open, so impatient to hear what I've got to say just so you can squash it into a neat little bullet that you'll blast at my stupid head. I shouldn't have started this. I should've stayed quiet. I don't regret speaking up, but goodness' sake, you're unbearable. And so loud. But it doesn't have to be this way, does it?

I take a slow breath and make my exhale an apology. You're taken aback, but you seem to accept it. We can move on, and the night can age with dignity.