On a normal, dreary London morning, five chilled and somewhat forlorn friends were gathered in a small café on the outskirts of the city. The establishment was nearly empty, dirty windows and cracking paint creating an atmosphere of 'up-to-no-good.'
Two middle-aged men and three women of varying ages sat tightly around a table, each cradling a cup of hot tea or coffee to fight off the bitter chill from the drafty door.
'It's true,' the bespectacled man sighed. 'She's already given me her notice.'
The younger woman nodded in resignation, 'Her flat is packed and her landlord has already gotten another tenant. She's out at the end of the month.'
The other man remained silent, but raised an eyebrow in thought.
The two older women exchanged worried looks.
'I'd say it would be best for the both of them, but…' the younger woman trailed off tellingly.
'But you've seen how they are when the other isn't around. No other word for it; heartbroken,' the man with the glasses finished for her. The rest nodded in agreement, aside from the still motionless man.
'So what do we do about it?' One of the older women asked, looking around the group.
The silent man slowly reached into the pocket of his suit, pulling out a notebook. With confident aplomb, he cleared his throat and flipped to the first page.
'I'm glad you asked.'