Alex, completely drained from their extensive trek, dramatically flopped onto floor, sprawling out with a sigh that could rival the wind. Akiko, looking equally exhausted, patted his shoulder sympathetically and settled down beside him.
"Can we... can we rest for a moment?" Akiko pleaded, her voice laced with fatigue.
"Absolutely, Looks like you two could use a breather." She scanned the hallway, spotting a vending machine tucked away in a corner. "There's a vending machine over there. Anyone want a drink?"
Alex, still sprawled on the bench, mumbled a request. He reached into his pocket, then with a produced a single, shimmering gold coin unlike anything Angelina had ever seen. "Here," he offered.
Angelina's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh..." she stammered, taking the coin and examining it closely. "You had this all along? I never noticed."
"Buy some drinks for the three of us," Alex instructed, waving a dismissive hand.
