In uncertain times, routine and habit kept a person afloat. This week had become some sort of dour spot, were she keen to discuss it, that space where her partner in the DoR ought to have been now carved out and hollow, a vacuum of worry in his stead. Times as these, one pressed on bravely.
And so it was even on this day, with the bustle of everyday life at the capitol teeming through the noisy halls. Life, rerouted. Karen welcomed and joined in the tide, swept up and pushed forward, eager to leave her doubts back in her darkened quarters. What was offered now before her was the comfort of work -- and coffee.
Such a small blessing, this staple of the old way of living having somehow prevailed here. An indulgence most certainly, but one that was welcome on a day such as this. Karen, hands stuck thoughtfully in her front pockets as she walked, slowed at the sight of the stroller and the familiar woman wheeling it.
"Doing just well myself, thank you," she said in return, offering up that stock politeness that had been ingrained in her since childhood. Karen stopped to greet Adelaide, recognizing the woman well enough and seeming to welcome the brief chance at company. "Busy enough that I can't much complain. You two doing well?"
Karen turned her attention from Adelaide to Charlie, a faint smile appearing for a moment.