Week 4: A Story in an Hour or Less

    The coffee shop that Michael and Ken preferred to frequent was all but almost silent. Their voices were the only thing that seemed to illuminate the drabness and silence that dwelled within the quaint little coffee shop. This was no unordinary meeting for the two-- as this had been their weekly habit since Michael and Ken were youthful babes, just fresh out of college, and fresh in their new carefully curated office jobs. Sure, some time may had past, some hairlines may have begun to recede, and a crick had formed in Michael's back that had never been there before. But one thing that had remained true and unfailing during the increasingly trying times was the strength of the bond between old Michael and Ken.

    "Something just feels completely off about today, I'm not sure why," Michael sipped his completely black coffee. In his younger years he might have added a little sugar to the bitter mixture, but sugar was bad, and Michael had enough bad things going for him in his life.

    "Maybe it has to do with the fact that you overslept. I'm sure everyone was looking for you this morning," Ken tried to offer his thought on the situation. Whether or not Michael would accept it was to be determined.

    "Well, it's not like I tried to do it on purpose..." Michael's voice began to trail off.

    "Well, it's not like you try to do a lot of things on purpose," Ken once again offered. Sure, he seemed a little cold and uncaring, but this had been the norm between the two for so long. Nothing seemed to break it.

    "The same could be said to you too," Michael grumbled, running his hand through his salt and pepper colored hair, frustration began to grow in his voice, "c'mon now. Aren't you supposed to help me?"

    Ken held his breath. He sensed the growing frustration within Michael. He did not want to disturb the bear further than he already had. "I can only help you if you truly want my help."

    "Fine, I'm here, and I'm ready for some help." Sometimes talking to Michael was like trying to pull a tooth from an old man, it all had to be on his own terms. Whether or not Michael would allow himself to listen to Ken was in the air. The lone barista that manned the counter behind the pair began to hum loudly. As if that was the barista's way of trying to break the uncomfortable tension that was beginning to grow in the atmosphere.

    Michael could only sit back and scratch his head as he tried to contemplate the trying morning he had just experienced. It would only be a matter of time before he felt himself explode.

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