They both sat facing the wall. As they had done for hours, alternating between holding their respective heads in their hands and looking at the floor for variety.

The stalemate, between problem and solution, it seemed, was never to be broken.

Just then, she gasped. He heard her shift in breathing pattern and tilted his head to look at her, like a golden retriever does when you address it.

She stood up, and gestured with one finger on her left hand, as if to represent completing the final calculation and formulation of the idea.

“Yes…that’s it, I’ve got it!” She exclaimed.

He looked at her intently, as if he was waiting for the energy of the idea to emerge to be able to power his own voice.

“Suppose we simply turn off the computer,” she said, proudly.

The air in the coffee shop was heavy with the scent of caramel tinged beverages, and warm pastries. Perhaps the only thing heavier and sweeter was the tension, that had been slowly developing at a corner table.

The occupants of that table exchanged glances and the occasional giggle as they sipped on their steaming sources of caffeine. Eventually, he decided it was the right time. He had been holding onto his emotions for far too long, he needed to say it. Even if it was the most terrifying thing could think of doing, he knew the whole trajectory of his life could likely hinge on the next few words out of his mouth. His heart rate began to climb.