ARIEL The evening continued, Alan and I getting deeper into our conversation as the restaurant's soft lighting created a cosy atmosphere. Every subject we discussed seemed to lead to new conversations and threads of understanding and common experiences. I could not help but be amazed at how far we would come in a matter of hours as we sipped our coffee, the aroma blending with the atmosphere of promise between us. The tension that had once hung heavy between us seemed to have faded into the past, having been replaced by a comforting and easy feeling in each other's company. "Thank you for accepting to come to a dinner date with me," Alan said, looking at me across the table with a sincere tone in his voice. The laughter, the casual conversation... His words made me smile as a feeling