Cecelia looked at the strange-shaped pebbles with curiousity. Her head was pounding as she squinted at them.

“Zane, those pebbles look like coffee beans. I think it’s a sign I need coffee.” Cecelia said. She rubbed her forehead. “Like…right now.”

Zane rolled his eyes as he continued walking along the forest path.

The two woke before dawn to get an early start on their journey to the kingdom.

“You’re just going through withdrawal,” Zane muttered.

“Exactly! My head is screaming at me because I _didn’t_ have my morning coffee.” Cecelia stomped behind Zane, tired and aching. “There’s a village nearby. It won’t hurt to stop for just one second.”

Zane sighed. “Cecelia, the king is awaiting us. Every second counts.”

Cecilia lowered her head. Zane was right. They were carrying an important missive that needed to be brought to the king immediately.

“You’re right. I can go one day without coffee,” Cecelia concluded.

The sun was rimming the horizon when the two were coming up to a village. Zane looked back at Cecelia to see her dragging her feet, though she didn’t mean to. He had been pushing her hard these last few days, waking before dawn and going to sleep long after the sun had set.

He spotted a coffee wagon and smirked. He strided to the wagon.

“Two coffees and two danishes please,” he said to the man working the wagon.

Cecelia looked confusingly at Zane.

“Here’s a coffee and danish for you, Cecelia,” Zane said, handing her a steaming cup of coffee and a delicious looking danish.

Cecelia’s eyes lite up.

“Thank you, Zane.” She brought the coffee to her lips and enjoyed the feeling of her headache fading.

“We’ve done a great job on this journey. I think we both deserve a little treat,” Zane explained.

The two walked side by side, laughing and happily drinking their coffees as they journeyed back to the kingdom.