My Roommate is Finalizing Plans:
Ludwig sat in silence and watched Daniel, who was equally calm, sitting across from him. The man had his usually cheerful demeanor and Ludwig couldn't help but wonder if Daniel knew the situation between his sister and Ludwig. Of course, the man knew that An'na was leaving. That was the whole reason they were at this café in the first place.
Was he mad? Judging by the look on Daniel's face alone, Ludwig could hardly tell because the other man's face was scrunched in concentration on documents. There was no use in staring, which would just make things even more awkward. So Ludwig took a sip of his water and looked at the scenery outside. Spring had come early, thankfully, which meant cool breezes and light jackets. It gave cafés like the one they were eating at reason to celebrate having a terrace. It also gave the people an excuse to be out and about, exploring and the enjoying their scenic nation.
"All right," Daniel started, and Ludwig redirected his attention toward his roommate's brother. Said man stretched, pressing his arms up high. A weary sigh settled into an even wearier yet somehow still cheerful smile. "I think I understand the mess of an agreement my sister came up with."
Ludwig nodded. "She's been working a lot lately," he offered, for conversation's sake.
"Too much in my opinion," Daniel chimed in and stacked the papers onto of each other. "Mother has been complaining about it but what can we do? An'na's stubborn when her mind is made up."
As an automatic reaction, Ludwig started stacking their plates. "She hasn't been at your parent's house?"
"Oh, she stops by every now and then." Daniel tilted his head. "She hasn't been home home?"
Ludwig shifted slightly, self-consciously, as he folded his used napkin. "Nein, not really. I hardly see An'na at home these days. We speak in passing." Like when he first moved in, but he left that part out.
Daniel took a drink and nodded thoughtfully. "At least you get to see her off, right? She's going to need someone to bring her to the airport. "
"I won't, actually," Ludwig added with a hint of regret. "I have to leave the same day as she does, for a friend's commencement ceremony."
"Ahh," Daniel said, but it hardly gave away what he was feeling. "Well, I suppose things happen for a reason. New experiences, good or bad, teach us about us. So, I say, let her go and learn about herself. The strength to move beyond something is found in letting go, right?"
Ludwig nodded again and placed his discarded napkin atop the neat stack of plates. He didn't have a response, but Daniel just smiled at him anyway. The man was full of smiles.
"So, shall we discuss the terms of your new lease?" he asked, and Ludwig welcomed the change of subject.