The sky had begun to paint itself with the colors of sunset, blending shades of orange and red into the distant horizon. Yara was wiping down the last table at the small café overlooking the sea, a place she had gotten used to managing on her own after hours. The cool breeze blowing from the ocean gave her a sense of calm, even though the weight of recent days hung over her.
As she pondered the monotony of her day, Adam quietly entered the café. He was tall, wearing a worn-out gray jacket, with eyes as blue as the sea itself. He walked in without drawing any attention and sat down in the corner, silently.
"Good evening, how can I help you?" Yara asked with a small smile, trying to break the silence.
He looked at her for a brief moment before replying in a low but steady voice, "Black coffee, please."
There was something odd about Adam's presence, something that pulled Yara's attention toward him. She was used to dealing with tourists and visitors in the café, but she had never encountered someone like him before. His demeanor was mysterious, as if those calm eyes hid stories yet to be told.
As she prepared his coffee, she noticed that he was quietly watching the sea, as if there was a silent conversation happening between him and the waves. She found herself wondering about his story, about what had brought him to this quiet village. She couldn't help but feel that he carried more with him than just the small bag by his side.
She gently placed the coffee in front of him, saying, "Here's your coffee. I hope you like it."
He thanked her softly but didn't look up. His gaze remained fixed on something far away, as if his mind was elsewhere. Yara stood there for a brief moment, wondering whether it was wise to start a conversation. Yet, the oddness of the situation and the calmness surrounding him made her step back.
"Do you live here?" he asked suddenly, without turning to face her.
Surprised by the question, Yara quickly replied, "Yes, I've lived here since I was a child. It's a quiet place, but I love it."
Adam nodded slowly, as if her response matched his expectations. "It's very quiet… Silence is rare these days."
She didn't quite understand what he meant but sensed that his words held a world of experiences she wasn't yet able to reach.
"What about you? Are you here for work or just visiting?" she asked cautiously.
He took a sip of his coffee before replying, "Work. I study marine life, and I'm here researching coral reefs."
Yara smiled kindly. "That sounds fascinating. We have beautiful coral reefs here, so you'll have plenty to explore."
Their conversation was brief but left an impression on Yara. After Adam left, she found herself thinking about those few moments they shared and the secrets he might be hiding.