William now has shorter hair that is a still a dark black, but his sideburns are a charcoal gray, and he is a good twenty pounds heavier. In high school he wore boots. Today it’s orthopedic shoes with a red flannel shirt on, with pants that have an elastic waistband. He sat quietly alone, while clinking the spoon back and forth on the sides of his cup as he stirred his coffee.

“Sit wherever you want,” Shannon the server called out as Jennifer walked in, making the bell over the door ring.

Jennifer nodded and looked over to William. Her heart rate started to elevate. She walked over and sat in a booth across from him. He didn’t even turn his head and kept looking out at a seemingly fixed object.

Before Shannon made her way over, Jennifer discreetly dabbed a few drops of perfume on her wrists, checked her makeup, and then turned to William.

“Excuse me, I think I know you,” Jennifer offered while trying to sound as spontaneous as possible.

William blinked as he stopped stirring his coffee. He then looked over.

“I don’t think so,” He offered as he scratched his head. “Oh wait, were you a nurse that helped me at the hospital?”

“Nope,” she answered. Maybe I am wrong. Can I join you?”

“Sure,” William answered. “It’s a date. ‘Been a while since I had a fist date.” He winked as he sat up straight so she could slide into the booth across from him.

Jennifer moved over just as Shannon came over with a glass of water and a menu.

“The soups today are vegetable beef and navy bean,” Shannon offered and then asked, “Would you want anything besides water to drink?”

“Just water, thanks,” Jennifer answered. “I will try the Julienne salad with ranch. Thanks.” She folded the menu and slip it across the white gold-speckled table.”

Shannon nodded as she took the menu and looked at William. “Everything okay William?”

He nodded as he took a sip of his coffee and lost himself to the moment the hot drink hit the back of his throat and enabled him to forget about all his ailments. He then sat the cup down as he cleared his throat with the slightest of coughs. Shannon topped off his coffee cup and then rested her hand on his shoulder compassionately before walking away.