The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as David reached for his favorite mug. He took a long, slow sip, savoring the warmth that spread through him. His apartment, usually a whirlwind of activity with project deadlines, was quiet this morning. He had finished his current project a day early.
He had promised to meet up with Sarah at the coffee shop, so he grabbed his keys and strolled outside. Seeing her he smiled at her. They had been friends since school. "Hey, Sarah! Ready for that hike this weekend?"
Sarah seemed oddly hesitant. "Oh, hey, David! Yeah, look... about that. I was hoping to talk to you." Her face was pale. She fiddled with the strap of her bag.
"Everything alright?" David asked, his brow furrowed with curiosity. He thought she was happy as well, but now doubt was creeping in.
"Well, about my... job," she began, her voice barely a whisper. David always believed she worked in finance. "It's not... exactly what I said it was." She looked at the worn-out jeans she was wearing.
David felt a sudden chill, a discordant note in the comfortable melody of his morning. His hand went limp around his mug. He had built up her career into a huge deal in his head. What was she hiding?