Write In The Middle Of It

The coffee shop always had a strange orange hue to it at night. It was almost like a warning to those that entered that if they came in they would be in a caffeine-induced illusion the next day. From the street, Stephen Gibson looked in and saw only two or three people inside and that included the man behind the counter.

Even though he was mentally and physically exhausted, he ignored the hues flame and rationalized that since he hasn't slept more than a half hour at a time since his daughter's attack, one more cup of coffee won't hurt him. He came in and sat at the counter two seats down from Autumn Green. She was angrily scribbling in her planner and muttering to herself so Stephen didn't even bother to give out a cordial hello. He began looking around the shop because he didn't see the man who worked behind the counter. He then began to finger the creases of the glass sugar dispenser causing it to spin. The spinning made a wobbling noise on the counter and then a clang when Stephen's wedding ring hit the glass to stop it. After a half dozen wobbles Autumn lifted her head causing her platinum mane to shimmer in the fluorescent lighting. As she struggled to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear she

shouted.

"Erv, will you get this man a cup of something please?” She flashed a smile at Stephen.

This took him by surprise and he wasn't sure if there was any sincerity behind the expression, so he became uncomfortable and attempted to leave. Autumn reached over to him and delicately placed her hand on his forearm and flashed that smile again.

"No please. I wasn't being rude." She explained as Stephen eased back onto his stool. Autumn resumed her focus on her work as Ervin appeared from the back wiping his hands with his apron.

"I'm sorry, what can I get you?" He said.

"Coffee, black,” responded Stephen.

"What kind?" Ervin said placing a cup in front of him.

This question seemed to break Stephen's trance caused by the gleam of Autumn's platinum helmet.

"I'm sorry, what?" He said focusing all of his attention now on the humored expression of the coffee shop owner.

"What kind of coffee would you like?" Erv asked again.

Stephen lowered his brow in confusion and repeated "Um, black."

Autumn again look up from her work, cradled her chin in her fist and smiled at Stephen, who at this point was too tired to be amused.

"Aw c'mon, “she said gesturing playfully, "You are in a coffee shop for God's sake with over one hundred different kinds of flavors and blends. You have to do a little better than that."

He raised his confused brow and his upper lip mirrored it, "What do you suggest?" He said half curious half defeated.

"Erv, get him a small hazelnut." She said now leaning on her forearms before she turned her stool to extend her hand to him.

"My name’s Autumn."

Stephen took her hand skeptically, "Stephen, and what did you order me?"

Autumn threw her eyes to the top of her head, "Oh a hazelnut coffee is safe,"

When her eyes danced back down to what most people consider normal position they refocused on Stephen and noticed his disheveled appearance.

"Besides by the looks of you, I don't think you need anything stronger."

"You're probably right. I can't remember the last time I slept." As Ervin brought over the coffee selected by Autumn, Stephen lowered his head and sighed deeply. Autumn became concerned and she placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Are you okay, Stephen?" She asked.

When Stephen raised his head to look at her his handsomely chiseled face was tear streaked as he said in barely a whisper.

"No."

He then went on to tell Autumn the story of Sadiah. She listened attentively but her emotions did not show. Maybe it's because she never had children of her own that her heart wretched in pain to hear stories of parents who lose their children.

According to Stephen, Sadiah wasn't lost yet but it sounded like that he was about to give up hope.

Ironically two hazelnut coffees later, Stephen had calmed down quite a bit. This was the first time in a long while that he was able to vent to someone other than Pete and it felt good. Autumn was an odd bird, but she was a wonderful listener, which made her unusually attractive.

"Listen," Autumn said. "I don't mean to pry..."

"No go ahead." Stephen positively responded.

She took another sip from her coffee, "Have you given your daughter any verbal stimulation?"

He shrugged, “I talk to her everyday."

Autumn shook her head, "No that's not what I mean. Have you played any of her favorite music or read to her?"

Stephen's eyes got wide with excitement, "No, I never thought of that. The doctors..."

Autumn interrupted for the first time, "The doctors won't suggest that. They like to keep their coma patients calm because some do scream, cry out or even become belligerent."

"Really?" Stephen asked but then became sad again. "Sadiah doesn't even flinch."

"Well,” Autumn said confidently, "That can be taken two ways. But what I'm suggesting could possibly benefit her if you are willing to try it?"

"I am willing to try anything to get my baby…" Stephen's voice broke and his eyes welled up with tears. Autumn put her hand on his knee and Stephen felt a rush of warmth up his leg.

"At the center, we have volunteers that read to coma patients. And don't worry, it's good literature, none of those trashy novels that they put out now- a-days. If you'd like I could set up someone to read to Sadiah?"

Stephen sighed in defeat, "I really appreciate it Autumn but I don't have the kind the money for..."

Autumn shook her head violently as she put her finger over Stephen's lip. His face became warm.

"I said volunteer."

He just nodded his response. Autumn took her finger from his mouth, picked up a pencil and made a note to call Erik first thing in the morning.

The pair continued to talk until the wee hours.