Yearning for a change and a chance to break free from the toxic patterns that defined her old life, Athena made a bold decision. She sought refuge in a quieter, simpler existence, far from the skyscrapers and boardrooms of the city. Her escape led h...
As I raise the mug to my lips, the aroma of freshly brewed black coffee envelops my senses, a rich and alluring scent that promises a moment of pure indulgence. The steam ascends in graceful tendrils, carrying with it the earthy essence of roasted beans, tempting me with each inhale. The initial sip is a revelation, a burst of bold flavor that stirs my taste buds with its robust intensity. The coffee's bitterness is offset by a subtle touch of sweetness, a delicate interplay on my palate that leaves a lingering warmth in its aftermath. The deep darkness of the coffee mirrors the depth of its taste, a profound ebony hue that shimmers in the light. It stands in stark contrast to the pristine white of the mug, a visual reminder of the potent essence contained within.
With every sip, a wave of clarity and focus envelops me, as if the caffeine-infused elixir is rousing my mind and honing my senses. The unembellished simplicity of black coffee, untouched by cream or sugar, stands as a testament to its purity and potency—a beverage that communicates directly with the soul.
"Athena," Emily's voice echoed in my ears. I responded with a soft hum.
"Do you like my sister?" Emily's question caught me off guard, causing me to pause mid-sip and set my coffee mug down on the wooden coffee table. We were currently at my farm; she had insisted on visiting to relax and enjoy the view.
"How did you come to that conclusion?" I asked genuinely, curiosity piqued by Emily's unexpected statement.
"First of all, my sister couldn't stop yapping about you. Second, what did you do?" Emily chuckled, triggering memories of my encounter with Haley on the beach. I realized I might have irked her during that moment.
"Yapping about me in a bad way, huh?" I smirked, running my fingers through my hair. The warmth of spring was beginning to settle in as we spoke.
"Definitely in a bad way. She's been even grumpier than usual," Emily replied, her curiosity evident. "Come on, spill it. What did you do to her?" Her focus remained on unraveling the mystery of my encounter with Haley.
"I told her she seemed obsessed with Alex, given how often I see them together," I explained, recalling the moment that might have triggered Haley with my statement. "I guess it's partly my fault for assuming she's that type of woman."
Emily burst into laughter. "Oh, that's why she's been grumbling about her world revolving around her, not some dumb guy! Haha, that's hilarious!" she exclaimed between laughs. It sounds like Emily found the situation incredibly amusing.
"Did I mess up with your sister?" I asked, finishing my coffee. While I wasn't overly concerned about the situation, I didn't want any lingering grudges among the townsfolk—especially considering their small numbers.
"She definitely hates you, but that's okay!" Emily replied with a smile creeping onto her face.
"Definitely hates me," I groaned inwardly at her response.
"That, we can fix," Emily added. "Haley's birthday is in two days. Want to mend the misunderstanding between you guys? Bake her a cake."
My eyebrows furrowed at the suggestion. "I'll give you some melons tomorrow morning; the rest of the ingredients are up to you to obtain," she said. "Wheat flour, sugar, and eggs, that's basically it!" Emily added, standing with her hands on her hips.
"I'll have to bake the cake?" I asked, the hesitation clear in my voice.
"Yes, and it's my cue to leave; I have to get ready for tonight's shift," she laughed, waving her hand as she started walking. "I'll see you tomorrow!" With that, she bid her goodbye, leaving me dumbfounded.
Heck, I don't even know how to bake! The one time I tried was a disaster; I almost burned the kitchen. And that wasn't an exaggeration! Now what am I gonna do? Should I ask Marnie about the baking things? Damn.
time skip | Next morning.
As the first light of dawn filters through the curtains, it casts a soft glow over the farmhouse. Stepping outside, I cradle a steaming mug of pure black coffee in my hands. The air is crisp and invigorating, carrying the earthy scents of freshly turned soil and the promise of a new day on the farm. Although, I have a feeling that consuming more coffee might be the end of me soon.
The morning was tranquil, wrapped in silence. I set down my mug on the table and made my way to the mailbox. Inside awaited a letter from Emily, detailing the cake I had to bake for Haley's birthday. Frankly, I wasn't keen on the idea, but mending things with Haley seemed necessary. She had a knack for grumpiness, that's for sure.
"Hup!" I exclaimed as I cracked open the shipping box, unveiling melons unmistakably sent by Emily. I sighed, acknowledging that for baking, I'd require Marnie's assistance.
"Juicy melons," I muttered as I cradled one in my palm. This promises to be a lively day, indeed.
author's compensation for not updating for days. Here's Athena.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
