The bell above the door jingled as Marilyn entered the Weathervane, the scent of coffee and cinnamon greeting her. The café was busy—students chatting over textbooks, others hunched over laptops. She ordered her usual, a black coffee, and as she waited, her gaze swept the room until it landed on you.

Tucked in a corner, you were lost in a book, completely absorbed. Marilyn watched you with a soft smile before picking up her coffee. Instead of leaving, she found herself drawn to your table. She slid into the seat across from you, setting her coffee down with a soft clink.

"I hope that book isn't more interesting than your botany assignments," she teased, her voice smooth.

You startled, blinking up at her. "Oh—uh, hi, Ms. Thornhill."

"Marilyn," she corrected, wrapping her fingers around her cup. "When we’re not in class." She glanced at your book's cover. "Good choice. Gets better in the second half."

You hesitated, unsure if this conversation was allowed. Marilyn sipped her coffee, watching you over the rim with a neutral expression.

"You know, I don’t often see my students outside of class," she mused. "And yet here you are, buried in a book instead of out with friends. I admire the dedication."

You shifted uncomfortably. "I just… like the quiet," you admitted.

Marilyn’s smile softened. "I can relate."

The café buzzed around you, but for a moment, you both sat in a small bubble of quiet. Marilyn tapped her fingers against her cup. "Mind if I join you for a while?" she asked, though her tone made it clear she had already decided.

"As a teacher, of course."

She leaned back, letting the warmth of the café settle in. "Long day," she murmured, rubbing her temple. "You wouldn’t believe how many students still can’t tell the difference between a philodendron and a pothos."

You laughed softly, and Marilyn smiled, the sound pleasant to her ears. She studied you again, her voice quieter now. "I’m guessing you had a long day too? Or maybe you just prefer books over people."