Seth leads me to the island. I check the time on the stove. 8:49am. It's early. If things were normal I would be at work and preparing to open the doors in ten minutes. I frown when I realize this but wipe the expression from my face so Seth won't ask what's wrong. He asks me instead if I would like a coffee and I confirm that I do. He sets up the coffee pot. I've always enjoyed watching coffee percolate. Something about it is relaxing—it's similar to watching sand drain in an hourglass. The smell of freshly brewed coffee is also pleasant. It reminds me of an airport. I'm not a huge fan of flying but I like the ambience of an airport.
"What do you take in your coffee?" he asks.
"A splash of milk, please."
"No sugar?"
"No sugar."
He nods, getting two mugs ready. He loads his with su
