As I walked through the door, the fragrance of my favorite beverage, coffee, greeted me. Beckoning me to the counter, I ordered that brew of the day, black. Although way too hot, I took a tentative sip, tempted by the rich burst of flavor to fill my mouth. I risked the scalding from that first taste. Grasping my cup, I searched the room for the familiar face I would meet today. The room buzzed with multiple conversations. Over in the corner, I saw her perched on a stool. Her youthful face lit up with a smile, and she beckoned me to join her.
