"What's up with you. Are you okay?"

Keith usually was nonchalant about these performance reviews. He'd been through enough of them now that they didn't affect him. But this time he wanted something. He'd been holding off on asking the whole meeting. Now it was almost over.

He'd learned the name of the town Marianna had mentioned. Then found out there was a prior subject in that town. He wanted to somehow ask for that assignment. There was no way admin could know that he knew that Marianna was connected to that town.

It was a longshot. Not getting assigned. He probably could. It was his head that was making up these stories where admin knew what he was up to. But realistically they didn't give a shit. What was unrealistic was the chance that the subject in the town would run into Marianna. Keith knew this. Still he wanted to watch that subject.

Even if the subject were never to run into Marianna... just watching a person in her proximity meant something.

Keith asked. The request slipped out of his mouth.

"I don't see why that would be a problem. Sure thing, Keith. Maybe that's what's needed to get you back up to speed. A subject that interests you."

After the meeting he went straight to his terminal and loaded up the subject. Admin hadn't granted him access yet. It would be a few hours. He went to the cafe where neither Cal or Chris were present. He ordered a

macchiato

. The way Marianna ordered. Didn't use the machine. Asked the

barista

.

He sat alone. Waiting as the drink made. He feared Cal or Chris would see him. How would he explain not drinking his usual from the machine. Why would he need to explain anyways. Didn't he have a choice? That's what you got when you boldly staked your ideals. People held you to them. For better or for worse.

The drink came out. Barista asked, "Hey I don't think I've seen you here before."

Keith nodded and made a friendly noise to send the barista back off. "Well. Enjoy!" he said while walking away.

The drink touched the air in front of his face and he felt warmth. He smelled. The sound of 

bossa nova

floated through the room. He closed his eyes and let the drink touch his lips. His entire body felt warm. Light. He felt like he was back on earth again during summer.