However, something was different the morning that she arrived at Café Nervosa well before opening time, as she always did. She could feel it even before she stepped onto the brick walkway. If only she had acted on that feeling instead of ignoring it, as though it was another ordinary day.

He was waiting for her as usual, sitting at their secluded table near the corner; the one that was surrounded by bushes; the one with the green and red umbrella that they had always called "theirs". The one where they met each and every morning.

With a smile on her face, she quickened her step and went to him. He rose from the wrought iron chair and opened his arms, wearing a smile that didn't seem quite sincere. And when they hugged, his embrace didn't have the usual enthusiasm, nor did he seem that happy to see her. Perhaps it was here silly imagination running rampant once again.

At least that's what she chose to believe.

"Hello, Eric." She said warmly, as she did every day.

But his smile faded some. "Hey Daphne."

She drew out of the embrace to kiss his lips, but to her dismay, he put no effort into returning the affection and his soft lips remained lifeless. Nor did he wrap her in his arms the way he usually did. Concerned, she moved her lips away from his and stared at him.

"Eric? Is something wrong?"

It wasn't hard to see the way he averted his eyes. But all he said was; "Um… No, everything's fine. Let's sit. Would you like some coffee?"

She smiled, feeling somewhat relived that things seemed back to normal. "Yes, that would be lovely, thank you."

When he rose from the chair, she watched as he disappeared into Café Nervosa. She tried to keep her mind clear.

Yes, something was definitely amiss, but perhaps he was just upset about something. She knew the day would come when his overloaded schedule would finally get the best of him, and it appeared that the day had arrived.

The thought pained her but it also made her smile. A nice romantic dinner, a message and perhaps even a night of unbridled romance would do the trick. She knew that it would work wonders for her. She made a mental note to ask him about it. After all, she needed to do something to celebrate their anniversary. She still felt bad that she had no gift for him and once more stared at the ring on her left hand. She never took it off, nor would she ever dare. It was the sweetest, most wonderful gift she'd ever received.

But when he returned minutes later, something else was different. The coffee cup in his hand was much smaller than the one he usually brought her and his other hand was empty; no scone. Once again her heart sank, but she refused to let it bother her. She knew that those items cost money and she wasn't one who accepted free food or gifts lightly. They meant the world to her because she remembered a time when her family had very little.

She took the coffee gratefully and smiled at him as he sat down across from her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Was all that he said.

The silence between them was harsh and unfamiliar and lasted until she couldn't take it any longer. And so she asked again.

"Eric, are you all right?"

He sighed, his eyes moving to her face. "No, actually I'm not."

Her hands reached across the table for his, but he made no effort to hold them. Instead he looked distracted, worried.

"Eric? What is it?"

"We need to talk." He said.

"All right, What about?"

"It's about us."

She smiled. "That's my favorite subject."

Her comment, surprisingly, made his already serious expression become even more so and she knew that the conversation was about to turn.

"What's wrong?"

His eyes met hers. "Well… you know that we've been seeing each other for a while now, right?"

"Yes, absolutely. And I've loved every moment of it, just as I love you."

"Well, that's the thing. You see, I'm not sure anymore…"

"Sure about what?"

"If I love you."

"You what?"

"Well, things are different now and you and I have been dating steadily for six months."

She sighed. "And it's wonderful, isn't it?"

"It used to be."

"I don't understand."

"I'm not the same person I was before, Daphne. I-."

"Of course you're not, Eric and neither am I."

"Daphne-."

"We've both changed Eric, and in a good way. I am certainly happier than I was six months ago."

"But Daphne-."

"And I'm having a wonderful time, what with all the lovely meals and the gifts you've given me." She held out her hand, admiring her ring. "This is so beautiful, Eric. I absolutely love it."

"Daphne, I need to say something."

"All right, what is it?"

"I don't want to see you anymore."