[Private] Coffee or Tea?

It is nearly 8 o'clock. Eis stands in the kitchen of her modest apartment, within view of her front door. Though it may seems a little improper, she's changed into sweats and a loose, light, dappled maroon shirt. It is her home after all; no sense in not being comfortable. The smell of fresh brewed coffee swirls about the house and a kettle whistles on the stove. She'd heated the water for tea, but made coffee just in case it was more to Bella's liking. Mugs and spoons and sugar and everything they might need, for either, were set on the table, which stands halfway between the kitchen and the door. The television is off, and there is no music. She would hardly know what kind her guest would enjoy. Her worn, but comfortable looking brown couch was recently cleaned, as were the tan carpets in the living room. The rest of the floor was aged, hard wood. Eis lives alone, with no pets. It is quiet. Peaceful. For some.

For others? Sometimes the silence can be unnerving. Isolating. But there would be no chance of silence on this visit. Bella would see to that. Undoubtedly. And Eis has no intention of sitting in silence, either. There is much to say. She'd taken nearly the entire afternoon thinking about what she'd say. What she'd ask. What lessons she'd attempt to impart on the fragile young Wizened. Perhaps not all that young... but Eis has never asked. Everything about Bella's demeanor speaks of an innocence and youth that Eis has long since lost. On both accounts. The latter is unavoidable. The former is the reason she's lived long enough for the latter.

She checks the white, plastic clock on the wall. Still some time. Bella isn't late, yet.