Gemotions

The rain hammered against the windows of the coffee shop, creating a cozy, soundproofed bubble. David was late. This always made her more comfortable, letting her mentally prepare.

When he finally arrived, he was flushed and apologizing. He took his seat, his eyes bright. "Remember that hiking trip?" he asked, already knowing the answer.

She nodded, carefully stirring her coffee. She had learned to anticipate his stories. "Vividly," she said calmly, watching the coffee swirl.

"The views! The camaraderie! It was the best experience I have ever had!" He leaned forward, hands clasped.

She waited. She knew this part well. The biting wind, the blisters, the near-miss with the rockslide. "The scenery was spectacular, wasn’t it?" she offered.

"Spectacular? It was life-changing!" He laughed, completely absorbed in his account. She kept her tone mild. "I'm so glad you felt that way," she replied. "I'm glad you had a wonderful time."

He beamed at her. The rain continued to fall, the warmth of the coffee shop enveloping them. She let him continue, knowing it was the only way to retain the calm.