Inner Desires

5.

Hanna loved taking the earlier shifts at the restaurant. Getting off in the late evening could sometimes be depressing and – most of all – tiring, especially if she wanted to combine it with going out, which was often the case. But on days in which she finished work in the early afternoon, she had a lot of time to rest. Besides, it's always nice to go back home when it's still bright outside.

That was one of those days. Four in the afternoon and lovely weather. The temptation to walk home was very huge. Too bad she had taken her car... Oh well, she could always go to a park later and enjoy the sun. Her plans for the rest of the day, however, would be a bit different than she thought.

She was driving fast, music blasting from the CD player. It was a hard decision whether to open the windows and enjoy some fresh air or just keep them shut and continue singing along at the top of her lungs. In the end, she turned down the volume and let the breeze in. Still lost in her own world, she stopped at a traffic light. Turning her head to look distractedly through the window, a familiar silhouette caught her eye. Kim was standing on the sidewalk, but she didn't seem to have any intentions to cross the street. She was holding her mobile phone between her ear and her shoulder, wiping some tears with her free hand while the other held her folder. Hanna couldn't help but worry about her. Why was her friend so upset?

A few seconds later, still before the traffic lights changed, she turned the music off and called her name. The blonde raised her head, giving a start. She took a few seconds to decide whether to wave back at Hanna or just run away. Shyly, she chose to say hi. The other girl told her to come closer with a gesture of her hand.

"Are you okay?" 

Kimberly nodded, taking a deep breath and forcing a weak smile as she approached the car.

"Oh, look, it's changing!" Hanna exclaimed, looking at the traffic light, which was just turning green "Come on in!"

Kim was a bit puzzled, but without saying a word, she decided to do what Hanna asked. The drive continued silently for a short while before either of them spoke.

"Is anything wrong? You seemed a bit troubled..." the brunette asked.

"Oh... no, I'm fine. Just a bit annoyed."

"Hm, I see. If there's anything you want to talk about, I'm here."

"Thank you. But I don't wanna bother you with my problems... especially when they are so stupid" she added with a sigh.

"Don't say that!" Hanna said softly "If it's hurting you, then it can't be anything stupid. But I understand if you don't want to talk about it."

"It's not that I don't want to tell you... I just... feel so pathetic."

"Sweetie, I have no idea what's going on, but you're not pathetic at all. You just seem to be really low... wanna go for a coffee and let off some steam?"

"Sounds like a nice idea..."

Minutes later, both girls were sitting in a corner of a small café. Kim held her mug between her fingers, seemingly more calm, and had a long sip of warm coffee. Hanna observed her in silence, giving her some space. It was in her nature to worry about her friends when something was wrong with them; but she didn't want to pressure Kimberly to talk if she didn't feel like.

"I'm sorry you had to see me like that before" the blonde broke her silence.

"It's fine. We all cry sometimes."

"I know... but when I tell you why I was crying, you'll think I'm stupid."

"You're not stupid. And whatever the reason is, I won't think you are."