smile

She never liked walking into bars or public places on her own. In the case of tonight, she was going to do it. She walked in, took a slight pause, gazing at the bar to see if there was an open space to squeeze in and order a drink. There was a small break between groups of people and she wiggled her way through. The bartender noticed her immediately.

With a drink in her hand, she turned around and leaned against the bar. She decided to take a moment to look up at the hockey game that was on the television. If anyone saw her, they would see her mesmerized by the power play, showing as if she had no fears of being alone at this point in a crowded bar.

He finally approached her, greeted her with a hug-kiss combination and took her hand. He led her to a table of friends who were sitting with their drink dripping with condensation onto the cardboard coasters.

Everyone greeted her with a hello. She sat down, nestled back into the chair and crossed her legs. She took a content sip of her drink. The effervescence tickled her lip.

Conversations ensued and laughter was increasing. He leaned in, and placed a hand on her back. She twitched by the unfamiliar touch.

"It's nice to see you smiling again," he said.

She nodded. It has been a long time since a genuine smile and laugh emerged from her mouth.