[ for the moment, claire is grateful for the distraction. the small talk, the deflections — it pulls her mind away from the anxiety still trying to curl in her chest. she isn't the same panicked wreck from moments ago, but she isn't settled, and the looming concept of talking about things again just...doesn't calm her one bit.

(even if she knows they'll have to.) ]

They absolutely are. But a latte is essentially just steamed milk and shots of espresso, and that's my drink of choice. Maybe only the espresso if it's that kind of day.

[ it's been that day a lot, lately. ]