The bell above the café door let out a gentle tinkle as Hazel entered. There was a rich flavor in the air, with undertones of roasted coffee beans, melted croissants, and a subtle sweetness from the cinnamon displayed on a baking platter near the edge of the room. Sunlight poured in from high windows, casting warm spots on the worn wood floors. It's the kind of café where every smile is an invitation, even to strangers.
"Hazel!" Richard waved enthusiastically from a corner booth. She could feel a surge of happiness mixed with relief wash over her as she made her way down the crowded aisle, careful to avoid touching any other diners. The buzz of conversation, the collision of mugs on saucers, the muted jazz music in the background made for a warm sensation in the center of her chest.
"Hey," she said, sliding into the booth beside him.
Richard grinned. "I want you to meet my friends," he offered, nodding towards the others. "This is Daniel," he said, gesturing to a young man with an average build who waved with a wide, friendly smile on his face. "And Zoe," Richard went on. Zoe smiled playfully at Hazel, scolding Richard with affection in her eyes. "Don't let him fool you," she said with a chuckle, "he exaggerates everything."
"And this is Aleona, my girlfriend," Richard stated firmly with a friendly smile on his face. Hazel looked at his girlfriend who looked so pretty with a calm smile that immediately made Hazel feel at ease. "Hi, nice meeting you," Hazel whispered.
Richard's words went on. "Aleona brought her friend, Milan." Hazel turned to the young woman on Aleona's other side. She wore loose braids down, her eyes alert behind cleverly designed glasses, a kind smile on her face. Hazel held out a hand in greeting. "I am Hazel," she said. There was no more nor less in Milan's friendly, warm smile, and Hazel knew she liked Hazel immediately.
The group easily fell into conversation, from small talks to the best pastries in the café, the odd things on the walls, Richard's hilarious stories from college to more significant talk later on. Daniel's gestures exaggerated the conversation, making Zoe's eyes roll in mock exasperation, but Hazel laughed, feeling the strain of travel and convent life melt away.
Her eyes travelled to Milan whose words were gentle yet assured, laughing in on jokes, making quiet observations that were valuable additions to the conversation at large. Hazel appreciated the way she attended to things that quiet attention she paid to little details others overlooked but she noticed and appreciated those qualities.
Aleona and Richard sat back, watching Hazel with smiles on their faces. "See?" Richard murmured, his words barely loud enough for Hazel to make out. "I told you they would like you." Hazel blushed lightly, sipping on her coffee.
As the afternoon passed, Hazel sat back to listen to stories from college life, favorite hobbies, and personal stories. There was a quiet story from Milan about a painting class she enjoyed, followed by a rant from Zoe with hilarious references to the café's sluggish service. Hazel engaged enthusiastically, surprised to find that she enjoyed talking with others from her own generation; something she hadn't done in a long time.
The sunlight coming from outside began to soften, spilling a golden light over their booth. Hazel could sense that the atmosphere in their group changed ever so slightly with the light their laughter weakened, their voices slowing down into casual conversation. She could feel a quiet happiness spreading within her, a feeling she realized she had missed so much. By the time they finally left the café, the sky had already started to warm up with hues of orange and pink. Hazel walked with the group, laughing at a story Zoe had just told, feeling a lightness in her step that she hadn't experienced in months.
She caught Milan looking at her once, a small, thinking smile on his face. Hazel didn't know what it was about, but it made her feel. unexpectedly noticed. She laughed, shaking her head. Of course they would notice each other because they were friends, after all. The city streets lay before them, bustling with the throngs of life in the evening, and Hazel could feel a quiet, simple happiness rise in her chest. It had been a good day, a very good day. And now, she sensed that perhaps the days ahead would hold even more surprises for her.