Luna, Ellie, and Chi-Chi got together for their usual morning coffee and delectable delights from the Flakey Tart.

“What’s on your agenda today?” Ellie asked as she sipped her cappuccino.

“I have several clients.” Luna broke off a piece of her brioche. “Word must be getting out. I hope you don’t mind, Ellie.”

“Why would I mind? It brings people into the center. Some of whom would most likely never come here. I look at you as a ‘promotional item.’” Ellie smiled.

“Huh. I never thought of myself as that.” Luna scrunched up her face. “But if it keeps the traffic flowing, then that’s a good thing. I just don’t want people to get all weirded out.”

“Have you looked around?” Ellie chuckled. “We are surrounded by eccentric people.”

Chi-Chi almost spit out her coffee. “I suppose I am one of them?”

“Of course you are. That’s why we love you,” Luna teased. “I think anyone who has any sort of an artistic streak is a bit eccentric.”

“That’s what makes them special.” Ellie patted Chi-Chi’s hand.

Chi-Chi smiled brightly. “I suppose you are correct. We are special.”

“Yes indeedy!” Luna got up and rinsed her coffee cup. Chi-Chi and Ellie did the same.

“OK, you fine women. Y’all have yourselves a lovely day.”

Chi-Chi folded her hands in prayer position. “Oni a dara.”

“You have a nice day as well.” Luna gave her a slight bow. “Namaste.”

Luna made sure everything in the café was set up and ready for her influx of clients. She checked her schedule. Five. That’s a lot of energy for one day.

* * *

Tori nervously began the thirty-mile drive to the center. So much was going on in her mind. The word “divorce” floated through her head a few times, but when it came to the actual act of it, well, that was a different story. After reading through the law books it hit her. There was a lot to do. Now, looking at it from a personal point of view, she had a much better appreciation for all the divorce cases she had worked on. She simply did the paperwork. This time it would be her doing the heavy lifting. How? That was a big question. How was she going to approach him? He would feel like he’d been blindsided. Not that it should come as any big surprise. Many marriages are mediocre or even bad, but no one has the wherewithal to make a move, so they suffer in silence. Then comes resentment. She thought of asking him to go to marriage counseling, but he would balk. He was perfectly fine with his situation. That was the problem. It was his situation. Not theirs, as a couple, or hers. She never had the strength to fight back. Stand her ground. Speak her mind. She feared his wrath, so she remained silent.