Wander into the whimsy

Cooper froze for just a heartbeat when he heard that familiar voice from behind the newcomer. The glass he was wiping slipped from his hand and clattered onto the bar, thankfully unbroken. He turned, his expression a mixture of surprise and something softer, something that hadn’t seen the light of day since Maika had left.

Maika? he said, his gruff voice barely disguising the shock. For a moment, he just stared at her, taking in the sight of the woman he hadn’t seen in years. She looked different, older, maybe a bit more worn around the edges, but then again, who didn’t after all they’d been through? But underneath it all, she was still the same Maika he remembered—the one who’d come to his tavern with a kid in tow and no place to go, and who’d left five years later, her heart shattered by grief.

He pushed off from the bar, the surprise fading into something closer to relief. Well, I’ll be damned, he muttered, stepping around the bar to get a better look at her. Didn’t think I’d see you back here, not after… well, you know. He didn’t finish the sentence. They both knew what he was talking about, and there was no need to dredge up those painful memories right now.

Cooper glanced at the gold she pushed toward him, then back at her. His brow furrowed, and he shook his head. You don’t owe me a damn thing, Maika. You know that. We looked after each other back then—still do, in a way. He nudged the bag of gold back toward her, a stubborn set to his jaw. But if you’re hell-bent on paying me back, keep it for Mina. That girl’s got a knack for spending and budgeting, and she’ll put it to good use, I’m sure.

@Maika Arainai