he had a friend. at least. that is the one
What friend? Is there an article?
Gads, if anything crazy happened with me, people could say: She didn’t have any friends but one. I have a best friend since 12 years old (crazy azz liberal, too!) and a few acquaintances along the way, nothing more.
I have not yet read he even had one best friend. Just people who knew him in passing.