Sunlight through the glass. Lay across the low table by the window. The lake outside pale in the early light, surface calm and still. The city beyond not fully awake—only a few cars moving slowly along the waterfront road. Inside the suite, nothing had changed.
Franz was already dressed when Arianne came out of the bedroom. He stood by the counter, sleeves buttoned, tie fastened. He did not look up right away when she entered. He picked up one cup of coffee and walked toward her at a relaxed pace.
He held the cup out to her silently.
Arianne stayed calm. Their fingers met briefly at the rim before separating.
She looked up at him.
He didn't speak. She didn't either.
He watched her over the rim of the cup. She noticed and held the look a second before turning toward the window.
Arianne walked to the window and took a small sip. Franz leaned against a chair and looked at the lake for a moment before checking his watch. Neither rushed to fill the quiet.
