Refill
by Mike Stafferton

Valentina walked carefully on the frosted cobblestones as she traveled down Ashton Lane. She had been here only hours ago, but this morning a different cause had dictated her return. She was wrapped against the morning chill, but she still sought warmth.

Bean Scene was a small coffee shop with a nice atmosphere and comfy couches. She escaped the morning mist and entered into the quiet cacophony of stirring spoons rattling against steaming mugs. She walked to the counter and asked for a large cup of coffee from a familiar face.

"You're looking a bit knackered," said Jane.

"Bit of a long night," Valentina replied. She really didn't have the energy to build on this conversation. Her senses felt muted and she was still trying to thaw from the icy air.

"Well, here you go Val. This'll warm you up."

She dropped two quid onto the counter and cradled the cup in both hands. Its warmth began to flow through her body. To this point she felt like a fire without the flames. Her muscles were tight and she labored to feel normal. She approached a plush chair which allowed a view of the lane. She placed her coffee on the table after checking for a wobble. She removed her woolen hat and coat. She laid these upon the chair opposite of hers and nestled down. The chair took her weight and relieved, her muscles began to loosen their grip. She took a deep breath while closing her eyes and collected her thoughts. Safe.

She slowly opened her eyes and looked out towards the lane. The ghosts of Glasgow passed by leaving only clouds of breath. She looked back at her coffee, reached and savored.

Alone again. It was really only a matter of time. They had been drifting apart for years. Different paths. Different passions. Time drew them apart. It was really inevitable. Her relief mixed with grief. Her mind drifted through memories and images and her coffee slowly disappeared.

The room was filled with quiet conversations and the unique aroma of roasted beans and cigarette smoke. She'd been here so many times with him to share a cup. They'd talked, gazed, laughed and smiled. Now she shared the morning with anonymous faces and the backsides of newspapers.

With that, she sighed contentedly, drained the last drops from her mug and prepared to face the day.

"You need that refreshed Val?"

The words broke her lonely trance. She pondered.

"Sure. I'd love that."