"It's been a while since we came here, Rob."

"Yes. Really has."

"So I guess you found a new job."

"Oh, did I tell you?"

"The boss told me, ha ha! That's actually a really sweet place to land a job at! You're really lucky to get it!"

"Thanks. Oh, our drinks are here..."

"Thank you!"

"Thanks."

"You know it's really strange to see you drinking hot chocolate. You really have the bitter drinker image going on."

"Thought I had the heavy drinker image more."

"Oh god, is that a joke?"

"Yes. Though the truth is I simply felt like changing it up a bit. Go on the sweeter side from time to time."

"There are a lot of dessert cafes all around the city. Like, a lot. Maybe you should get around to those places from to time."

"Didn't know about that. First time I heard it. I'm not much of an explorer."

"You don't get out enough! At least that's what you look like."

"Is it because of how pale I am?"

"Well...yeah. Pretty much."

"I...listen. I wanted to apologize."

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

"...For?"

"When I had that outburst weeks ago."

"Yeah...that. It's okay! I mean, you're right with it not being the most practical route or anything. I was definitely overestimating myself when I finally thought hard about it but it's still something I want to do. The very act of being able to perform music in front of people leaves me with a satisfaction I can't really explain. It's like when I perform I feel truly glad and fulfilled to be alive so of course your comment really left a wound in me. But I forgive you. I know you weren't trying to be malicious or anything like that."

"I just have a terrible way of trying to help people..."

"Mmm! This pumpkin spice latte is out of this world!"

"..."

"You've got to some of this!"

"I'll pass on that."

"What? Come on. Just a sip."

"More for you."

"Aww... Why not?"

"Alright, fine. I'll try it."

"Yay! Here. Don't spill any."

*sip*

"..."

"Holy shit that's really sweet."

"That's it?"

"Not bad though. Very different from what I have had in my life."

"Geez, your age is showing."

"Yeah, I think I'll stick with my hot chocolate."

"Hey, Rob?"

"Yes?"

"I'm doing a performance in a month."

"A heavy metal performance?"

"Rob, come on!"

"I jest! I know you play the acoustic guitar. Of course I'll come, I assure you! I have been curious for a while now."

"Well, you better be prepared. I'll be giving it 120% just for you! A whole 20% more than what's worth."

"Never thought I was that special."

"You're not."

"What?"

"Ha ha! Everybody's special including you, Rob. Oh hey, why not bring somebody or two."

"I think I know somebody who would come along."

"Awesome! Need as much exposure as I can get."

Would be lying if I did not say I was worried for you, Lisa. The world is tough and cruel but we, ourselves have the power to be worse and may be our own worst enemy. Unless we come to accept our situation and the circumstances surrounding it we may continue falling deeper into the terrible pit we created for ourselves. If our plans do not go as expected, please do not stay in the spot of misery. Wake up and step forward. Good luck, Lisa. I am looking forward to it.