His phone buzzed in his pocket. He took it out and read the email he’d just received from Adathan.
From: Adathan S Eden
To: William Mitchell
Subject: Good afternoon, William!
Dear William,
I just ate the remaining barley soup, and it was delicious. Next, I will be eating a peach.
I’m happy you bought them. They’re sweet and juicy, and our entire home smells like peaches now. I had eaten only one peach slice before today, and it was six years ago. I missed out on many delicious foods, but thanks to you, I am now free to eat what I want!
I’m afraid at this rate there will be none left for you, though. My sincerest apologies :)
I’m kidding! I promise to keep one (1) just for you.
This morning I forgot to ask if you have any food allergies or preferences. I found some recipes on the Internet I could make with the ingredients we have at home, but I want to make sure I’ll be preparing a meal you like! :)
Well, now that I’m writing this, I realize you probably don’t buy ingredients you’re allergic to, huh? Hee hee, silly me.
Oh! The rain has finally stopped, and there’s a rainbow in the sky. It’s beautiful. I just took a picture with the laptop, and I’m attaching it to this email in case you can’t see it from your office. Do you have a window near your desk? I read about office spaces on the Internet, and I have so many questions. I hope you won’t mind my asking. I just like learning new things about you.
I hope you’re having a good time at work. They’re so lucky to have you!
I’m eagerly looking forward to your return.
Warmest regards,
Adathan S Eden
William pressed his hand against his heart as he was hit with another wave of fuzzy tingles. Adathan was far too precious for this world.
Far too good for you, a voice said in his head.
He set his phone on his desk and wrinkled his nose as he cast a look around the boring cubicle he sat in forty hours a week. Some of his colleagues had decorated their workspaces, but William had left his own partitions bare. Nine years ago, he’d set foot on this floor with the firm certainty it would be a six-month thing at most. A temporary arrangement.
Unlike all the other losers, he was destined for something greater, he’d told himself back then.
What a joke.
William tapped the reply icon and typed.
From: William Mitchell
To: Adathan S Eden
Subject: RE: Good afternoon, William!
Hey Adathan,
I’m glad you liked the soup and the peaches. Go ahead and eat them all if you want. They’re still on sale for a few days, so I’ll just buy some more.
I’m currently eating the lunch you prepared for me and admiring your drawing. Both are great, thank you. I’ll have a surprise for you tonight. Hope you like it.
I don’t have any allergies, and the only things I don’t like are brussels sprouts and nutmeg. So you don’t have to worry. Make whatever you like and I’ll be happy, as long as you don’t borrow those two ingredients from Rosanna.
Thanks for the picture of the rainbow. You’re right, it’s beautiful.
