Stepping Outside

Hailey stood near the café, holding a coffee in her hands, waiting for me. The faint hum of chatter and the clinking of cups spilled out from the open door behind her. 

She leaned casually against the wall, her hair catching the sunlight, a small paper bag dangling from her wrist.

"Sorry," I said, catching my breath. "I'm late, aren't I?"

The street was busy with people walking by, their footsteps tapping against the pavement. A cool breeze swept through, tugging at the edges of my jacket. I'd rushed over, worried she'd been standing there too long.

"No way," she replied with a gentle smile. "You're fine. Here—this is for you. You always drink lattes, right? It's warm."

She handed me the cup, her fingers brushing mine for a split second. The coffee's heat seeped through the paper, warming my hands. The faint smell of vanilla and roasted beans drifted up, comforting and familiar.

"Oh…" I blinked, surprised.