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❝ THE AIR WAS COLD, BUT SOMETHING ABOUT IT FELT LIKE HOME SOMEHOW ❞
❦
it was only 9:30 and karen was quickly rushing them out of the house, trying to take advantage of the day where they'd be able to go out somewhere that isn't in relation to a doctor. mike, karen and el (who had showed up at the wheelers' door about 10 minutes earlier, while they were getting ready to leave) were walking on the rocky pavements on their way to the enchanting little cafe, that was located not far from the wheelers' house.
"i've only ever seen pictures of the cafe, i mean- it looks rather lovely if i do say so myself. they have nice warm coffee... and oh! yummy treats! i think we're all going to enjoy this new change. this is definitely for the better. i'm so happy we're all here. together. and maybe later we can- oh.. of course. your not even listening to me." karen rambled on out of excitement, but turned her head and saw the couple paying her no attention whatsoever.
the truth was, it never really bothered her how mike and el were always attached at the hip. yes, sometimes it bugged her to see mike all caught up in his own little world showing her no attention, but she thought the two really were meant for each other. no matter how hard it was to see her son stuck in a daydream, she was happy he had learned to make the best out of circumstances.
and so the three kept walking. mike and el with their hands entwined, as they listened to music and shared two earbuds, while karen was walking a few feet ahead of them, still rambling about the delightful miniature shop, even though she knew she was really only talking to herself.
they trio had arrived at the door of the cafe, and that's when those disturbing nerves of mike's started hitting him, like a slap in the face.
"it's alright, love. i'll be here the whole time. just squeeze my hand if you'll ever need to, and i'll take it as a sign that you wanna turn back, okay?" el asked in her calm, soft voice that had never once failed to comfort him, while she drew small circles on the back of his hand with the pad of her thumb.
all he did was smile at her lightly, and she took that as a 'yes, i trust you' kind of smile.
and they then walked in the cute cafe just after karen had, previously.
"oh my god, this really is adorable!" el and karen gushed at the pastel shop that had fairy lights hung over the ceiling, white detailed lining across the walls, and vintage table and chair sets.
the two women told mike their orders repeatedly so that they can go find an empty table and continue to gush about the newfound cafe, while mike took the three of their orders. as anyone would expect; el had of course silently asked mike if it was alright with him before she went off with karen, and he gave her a nod of reassurance as she kissed his jaw and walked speedily, to catch up to karen.
