<em>“Joe has been keeping this very special blend of coffee just for me, But in your state, I thought you might need some, they say in Sweden that these beans have healing properties” </em><br/><br/>“And I can see why…” Cat said, taking yet another sip. The steaming, bitter concoction warmed her as she drank it, and she could feel herself growing stronger with every sip. The pain that once crashed over her, had calmed down considerably. It was all but gone as it ebbed barely noticeable beneath the surface. “I’ve never had coffee such as this… it’s not espresso, its much stronger than that. I keep expecting to feel like I’m ready to jump out of my skin with energy, but it is so calming. I haven’t felt so relaxed in a while.”<br/><br/>She suddenly realized the importance of their unplanned coffee break- it was what the Swedish referred to as fika, very different from the American tradition that Cat was accustomed to. As opposed to the fast and fueling of the American way, fika was all about slowing down and enjoying the moment, and bonding.<br/><br/>After years of struggling to keep her head above the waters of her turbulent emotions and just trying to keep up with life, it warmed her heart. Slowing down was everything that she needed and Jonas kindness did not go unnoticed.<br/><br/>Most people seemed either irritated or unsettled by her feelings- even her own father could not cope with her sadness- it broke his heart. So she buried her emotions and struggled with them in silence. Until now, that is.<br/><br/>“Thank you,” Cat said, her gratitude and fondness revealing in her blushing cheeks. “for your kindness. I fear I’ve repelled most of my friends.. I’m feeling much better, better than I have in ages.”<br/><br/><em> “I must be going it is late and I have a board meeting to get to Keep the jacket and get back to your dorm safely, I assume you are a student here? I am sure we will cross paths again” </em><br/><br/>Catherine looked up at the large decorative clock behind Jonas and balked at the time- curfew would be soon. It had flown by so quickly she hadn’t even noticed.<br/><br/>“Ah, th-thank you.” Cat stammered abruptness, caught off-guard by Jonas, as she stood up to gather her bag and soaked jacket. “Thank you, thank you for the company. I ought to be heading out myself. I hope to see you again soon…”<br/><br/>With her new found inner peace, and the warmth of Jonah’s jacket, she made it back to her dorm in no time. Closing the door behind her, she removed his coat and carefully hanging it. Now that she was no longer in the coffee shop, she could smell his cologne on it and she inhaled deeply- it reminded her of Autumn, spicy, fresh, and with a hint of vanilla.<br/><br/>Suddenly exhausted, and utterly relaxed, she kicked off her shoes and collapsed on her bed, Jonah’s handsome face the last thing she remembered before drifting off to sleep.<br/><br/>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br/><br/>Cat awoke suddenly in a cold sweat, her heart beating irratically, her nightmare and Nicholas’s face still fresh and vivid in her mind. She sat up slowly, as her heart raced, weighed down by the sudden pain of the memories. All of the progress she had made with Jonas seemed to have evaporated, leaving her cold and anxious.<br/><br/>A quick glance at her alarm clock told her that she had only been sleeping for a few hours, but if she went back to sleep, she knew Nicholas would be waiting for her in her nightmares and that was the last thing she wanted. Her emotions seemed so strong after her short reprieve from them in the coffee shop with Jonas…<br/><br/><em>Jonas..</em><br/><br/>Her gaze flickered over to his jacket, hung over the back of her computer chair. She walked over to it, comforted by the fact that it still smelled of his cologne and the faint aroma of coffee. Without even thinking, she put it back on, surprised that it still held some warmth when she remembered the card he had given her.<br/><br/>After a moments hesitation, she decided to call. She swiftly dialed his number and sat on the edge of her bed, anxiously waiting as the dial tone rang on her end. She nearly lost what little gumption she had when the phone picked up on the other line.<br/><br/>“H-hello?” Her voice quivered, hoping she hadn’t woken him or caused a disturbance…<br/>