“You…too?”
She nods fervently. Without a word, she pulls the chair opposite me and sits down.
“You’re the first person I’ve met who has read the books. And that’s the latest volume, so you must have read all the others, no?”
“Yes. I just bought this yesterday.”
“I have it too!” She exclaims, clasping her hands to her chest. “Don’t worry, I haven’t started it yet either so I won’t spoil it for you. But what did you think of volume eight? Was the ending too brutal?”
I look at her in wonder, both because her excitement is so palpable and infectious and because…sheknows about the book series?
“Yes.” I nod. “I couldn’t believe it ended like that, especially since I knew I had to wait so long for the next book.”
“It was hard, wasn’t it?” She adds with a tinge of uncertainty.
“Not necessarily. I was curious how it would proceed, but I trusted the author. I knew the hero couldn’t justdielike that. He had so many things still left to do.”
“Right? That was my thought process too. Sure, the ending was heartbreaking, but it’s also necessary for the development of the character. Only through adversity does one grow and move on.”
I nod excitedly. “I can’t wait to see where the story takes him next.”
“Ah, I’m so happy to come across a fellow fan of the books,” she says with a sigh. Leaning forward, she places her arms on the table, her chin propped in her hands as she looks at me.
Heat travels up my neck until my entire face is red. Embarrassed, I want to look away, but something keeps me captive.
Slowly, the tips of my lips curl up and I give her a smile.
“Since we’re both reading the book at the same time, youmustcome back here to discuss it,” she says. Realizing her words are too forceful, she quickly amends, “If you want to that is.”
“Y—yes, of course,” I mumble. “I don’t have anyone else to talk to about the book.”
Another smile. And this one Iknowis just for me. It’s not something she casually does with the other patrons. Iearnedit. And the realization makes me want to do it again; do something else to earn her smiles.
“Moe, the food!” Someone shouts from the back.
“I have to go now, but I’ll chat with you more later.” She stands up, but before she leaves, she turns to me once more. “My name is Moe.”
“N-Nykander,” I answer in turn.
“I’ll be right back with your food, Nykander.”
As she walks away, I continue watching her, my chest tight with an indescribable feeling. It’s a mix of excitement, warmth and…something else.
I can’t even continue reading since I can’t focus on the words on the page. All I can do is replay our conversation in my mind, the way her eyes lit up when she spoke, the way she smiled at me…
True to her word, Miss Moe soon returns with the food. On the tray, however, there’s an additional item.
A cookie.
I look at it puzzled before raising my eyes to her. She leans in conspiratorially and whispers.
“It’s on me; that is to say, I made it. I hope you like it. I’m still learning.”
“F-for me? Are you sure?”
“Of course it’s for you. We’re friends now, aren’t we?” Her question is so innocent, so frank, that my eyes suddenly feel a little too wet.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “Friend.”
