"There is not much to say. Same dream I always have– happy memories from when she was alive." He swallows hard, forcing himself to meet Anna's concerned gaze. "Waking up alone afterward is the worst part. Reminds me how long it has been since anyone was there to hold me when I am scared." The confession slips out before he can censor it, raw and vulnerable in a way he rarely allows himself to be. His grip on her waist becomes firmer, pulling her flush against his chest as if seeking physical proof that she is real and solid beside him. "I am sorry," he says weakly, feeling guilty for oversharing.
"No, don't be sorry. I am here for you," Anna leaned upwards to wrap her arms around Zack's neck and hug him. His arms wrap around her small frame instinctively, holding her close as if she is the only solid thing in his world right now. His face presses into the curve of her neck, inhaling the familiar scent of her shampoo and something uniquely her. The tension in his shoulders melt away under the steady rhythm of her breathing against his chest. "Thanks," he murmurs into her hair, the word barely audible but filled with more gratitude that he has expressed in years. "You always know what to say." His hands move to the small of her back, fingers splaying across the fabric of the blue jersey she is wearing. The blue material feels soft under his touch, a reminder that this moment is real– that Anna is here, physically present and caring for him. "I don't deserve you," he adds quietly, the confessions slipping out before he can filter it. His usual bravado has evaporated, replaced by raw vulnerability.
"Come one. Let's go get some coffee and head to the library," Anna said softly, pulling back slightly. "We can find a cozy seat and just sit close together." Zack's arms linger around her waist for another moment, savouring the comfort of her embrace before reluctantly loosening his hold. The suggestion of coffee and a quiet library sound like exactly what he needs right now– a normal activity to ground him after last night's emotional turmoil. "Coffee sounds good," he agrees, his voice steadier than it was minutes ago. "And yeah, my car is parked at my place anyway." They begin walking side-by-side down the sidewalk leading toward his house. The morning breeze carries the scent of freshly cut grass from neighbourhood lawns, creating a peaceful contrast to the turmoil inside Zack's head. As they walk, he glances sideways at Anna in his blue jersey. "You know you look ridiculous wearing that thing," he teases lightly, trying to reclaim some of their usual banter. "But I can't say it doesn't look good on you."
"Oh, don't lie. You love it," Anna says playfully. Zack's lips twitch into a genuine smile for the first time this morning, the playful challenge in her voice chasing away the last remnants of his sleepless anxiety. He nudges her shoulder with his own as they walk, their steps falling into sync naturally. "Maybe I do," he concedes, his tone losing its defensive edge. "But I am not going to admit it out loud. Gotta save some pride for my history test later." They reach the corner when his car is parked along the curb. The vehicle looks slightly neglected– dust settled on the hood and a stray leaf decorates the windshield wipers. Zack unlocks it using his key, the clock echoing in the quiet street. "Your chariot awaits," he says with mock formality, opening the passenger door for her before rounding to slide behind the wheel. Starting the engine brings life back to the otherwise unremarkable car.
"What a gentleman," Anna said with a sweet smile. "Did you already have breakfast?" Zack pulled out of the driveway with practiced ease, the car's tires crunching softly on gravel. He glances over at Anna in the passenger seat, her smile doing more to wake him up than any amount of coffee ever could. "Breakfast? Not unless you count a bacon cheeseburger and hash browns consumed at four in the morning," he replies dryly, merging into traffic headed toward downtown. "The diner I was at serves decent pancakes if you are interested. Otherwise, we can grab lattes and hope the coffee show has something edible." His driving is relaxed compared to how tense he usually gets behind the wheel– probably thanks to having Anna sitting beside him. The familiar route to campus passes by familiar landmarks.
"I had some cereal," Anna says quickly. "But I might be interested in a muffin or something." Zack's lips curl into a faint smile at her mention of cereal. "Of course you did," he teases gently, navigating a turn toward the main street where several cafes are located. The car fills with comfortable silence for a moment before he speaks again, his tone shifting slightly. "So, about that dream… I didn't mean to scare you with it earlier. Sometimes those things just hit harder when I am already exhausted." He glances at her briefly before focusing back on the road. "It has been years since I have had one that bad. Must be the stress of tests catching up to me or something." He parks in one of the parking lots near his favourite café chain. "We can grab muffins here," he suggests, pointing toward the stylish, modern coffee shop built into a city street façade.
The storefront's open service window is framed by charcoal-coloured bricks. The café was designed for walk-up service rather than indoor seating, with a wide window and counter, where customers can order and receive drinks. In front of this counter is a row of tall, black metal bar stools, evenly spaced and tucked neatly beneath a narrow ledge. Through the window, the café has a warm, inviting atmosphere, with wooden shelves lining the back wall and holding glassware, cups and small decorative items. There are green plants placed throughout the café and coffee-making equipment– like an espresso machine and grinders–on the counter. Above the counter, hangs a menu board with specials.