How I Met Henry (on hold)

Chapter 24

When I awoke the next morning, Henry wasn't lying next to me. The bed was cold and the apartment was quiet, leading me to believe he had gone out. One thing was certain. I needed coffee.

Getting up, I slipped on my robe and relieved my full bladder. The shower was damp, which told me Henry had cleaned up before he left. Stumbling out into the living room, I noticed the horror film was missing from its spot next to the VCR. It occurred to me he had probably gone to return it.

Making my way into the kitchen, I switched on the light and moved over to the coffee maker. After going through the motions of preparing the machine to brew coffee, I sat at the table for a cigarette. There was a note under the pack in Henry's handwriting. After lighting a cigarette, I picked up the paper.

Morning, kitten. I have some things to do. I have to return that lame horror film and do some investigating. I don't know how long I'll be gone, so just relax and make yourself at home. After all, this is your home now too. I'll be back tonight at the latest. ❤Henry

I smiled. Puffing on my cigarette, I began scheduling my day. I wasn't going to just sit around like Henry had suggested. I wanted to clean the couch of bodily fluids and pick up all the beer cans sitting around the apartment. While I was at it, I might as well tidy some other things, too. I also needed to make a spot in one of Henry's dressers for the clothes in my overnight bags. If I was going to be living there part-time, I had to have space for my things.

The coffee pot hissed, indicating the coffee was finished brewing. Stamping out my cigarette butt, I hopped up, padded over to the counter, and pulled a mug out of the cabinet. When I reached into the fridge to retrieve the milk, I discovered Henry had bought some coffee creamer. A black heart in permanent marker was drawn on the lid of the bottle.

"He must o' done that this mornin'. This man is full o' surprises," I marveled.

The flavor was amaretto, something I had never tried.

Opening the lid, I gave it a sniff. It smelled fruity. Setting the creamer on the counter, I spooned sugar into my mug and poured coffee in. Adding the amaretto, I stirred the contents and sipped. My taste buds were pleasantly surprised. My coffee tasted like a creamy cherry with a touch of almonds.

"That's good," I muttered, a smile stretching my lips.

I suddenly understood what folks meant by, 'it's the little things that count.' Henry's simple gesture of bringing home a new coffee creamer with a heart drawn on it was a 'little thing' he had done to try and make me happy. His thoughtful token of love had worked. The inside of my chest was warm and fuzzy.

Settling back down at the table with my sweet mug of coffee, I made a list.