He had been gone for quite awhile. She had decided to take him up on the offer to make herself comfortable. When he walked back into the living room, he found her curled up on the couch. He watched her for a moment before clearing his throat and startling her. He just chuckled.

"Where have you been? It's been at least an hour."

"Well, then, I'm glad you made yourself comfortable on the couch."

She just smiled sheepishly and turned a lovely shade of pink.

"Oh no, it's okay. I really am happy that you are comfortable. This cabin isn't really used to me having company. But anyways, I made supper. Well, actually, I don't cook. I put in a pizza. Hopefully, that's okay."

"Hey, don't sweat it. I practically live on pizza. I don't cook, either."

He extended his hand towards the kitchen, and she did not hesitate to follow. She hadn't eaten since breakfast. She had a seat at the table.

"I, unfortunately, do not have much to offer in the way of beverages. I have beer and water. I prefer the Guinness, myself…"

"Beer is fine, I guess."

He brought two beers and the pizza to the table before sitting down himself.

"You guess? Have you even had alcohol before?"

"For your information, yes I have. Let's just say I was a little bit of a rebel back home."

"Funny. I don't see you as the rebel type. You strike me as more of the goody-goody type."

"Yeah, well, I used to be the perfect little daughter, but when I was sixteen…well…never mind."

He stopped and looked her straight in the eyes. For some reason, he knew somehow that it was important that she talked about it. For the first time since he met her, he was completely serious.

"What happened?"

She could sense his earnest. There was something about him that made her want to tell him everything. Plus, what would be the harm in it. After tomorrow, she would probably never see this man again.

"My mother passed away. My father was preoccupied with his work for the military, and forgot to pick her up. She took a taxi, and got into a car accident. She didn't make it."

"I'm sorry to hear that. That's why you don't trust your father?"

"I have nothing against you. I mean no offense, but I have a slight aversion to the military…and to my father for that matter."

He reached across the table to grab her hand. She didn't shy away like he half-expected her to.

"I know this is probably not my business, but the military wasn't to blame for your father's actions, and I'm sure if your father had known what was going to happen, he would have never forgotten to pick your mother up."

"Deep down, I think I know that, but anyways, I'm sure you don't want to be taking gloom and doom with someone you just met. Heck, I'm probably going insane. I never talk gloom and doom with someone I just met…"

"Hey, it's okay. You know what they say…a stranger's just a friend you haven't met."

That made her smile again. He was glad to see her smile again. They ate the rest of their meal in silence…just happy to be in one another's company.