Nathalie put down the mug. She stared at the pink, foamy drink for a few moments and then sat back in her chair. Someone coughed nearby and she couldn’t help but glance at the man. Was he sick? Why had he come here if he was?

“He could just have allergies,” she reminded herself. “Damn, when am I going to relax about this?”

Nathalie shook her head, rolling her eyes at herself. She had come here to get some work done in a nice setting on the weekend. But as soon as she sat down, she was on guard because of how crowded it was.

“Covid effect,” she mumbled and reached for her phone.

“Hey, you again,” someone said from her right side.

Nathalie startled and turned.

“Hey,” she said, smiling when she recognized the girl.

They had met last week when Nathalie had stopped by for some takeaway coffee and had gotten stuck in a long line. This woman had been the person behind her. They had shared a table and talked for an hour, hitting it off instantly.

“You look pensive today,” the young woman said. “Can I sit down?”

“Sure,” Nathalie said and moved her phone and laptop to the side. She closed her eyes for a second as she realized she didn’t remember the girl’s name. She only remembered that she was getting her Ph.D. in Ghent but was originally from Berlin.

“So, what’s on your mind that’s making you frown so much?”

Nathalie shifted in her seat. “I’m frowning?” she asked and rubbed her forehead.

“Last time, you had just gotten that new job,” the woman continued. “How’s that going?”

Nathalie’s cheeks reddened as she desperately tried to recall her name. She knew it was short. Sarah? Sonia? Sam?

“Now you’re frowning even more,” the girl laughed.

“I’m sorry,” Nathalie said, blushing profusely. “I’m just trying to remember your name.”

“Cynthia,” the woman chuckled. “Don’t worry. I don’t remember yours either.”

Nathalie sighed in relief, her shoulders dropping. “Good! It would be embarrassing if it was just me.”

“Nope,” Cynthia said, crossing her arms and grinning. “It’s not just you. Don’t worry about a thing, Nathalie.”

Nathalie’s jaw dropped. “Oh, fuck,” she sighed and covered her face.