Starbucks. I’m staring at the Christmas tree, glittering with all its fanciful decorations. Silver bells and fake hollow presents. (Still. Presents are presents. I can't help thinking there must be something hidden inside those little cardboard boxes wrapped with shiny wrapping papers.)

How the hell is anyone expected to mug when the festive cheer is swept through the door this early and gleeful pop music is belted out eagerly, "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"

Cherry Mocha. Caramel Macchiato. Chai Tea Latte. Caramel Frappuccino. Earl Grey Tea. Java Chip!

She sits opposite me, looks up at me abruptly with her big dark eyes and confesses, “I’M NOT STUDYING!”

“Then what are you doing?!”

“I’m writing!”

“Writing what?!”

“Story!”

“But your exam’s tomorrow!"

"I KNOW! BUT-"

"-I THOUGHT YOU WERE HARD WORKING. YOU CHEAT MY FEELINGS.”

“But-”

“-I BAN YOU!”

She glares at me jokingly and sulks, "Okay okay..."

I laugh.

We both bend our heads down and pretend to read our notes.

Oh it is so easy to be content. I hope I always remember this.