Baring the Soul
The café was quiet that night, a welcome reprieve from its usual buzz of chatter and laughter. Tifa had flipped the “Closed” sign on the door, but Aerith had slipped in just before, carrying a small bouquet of daisies.
“I saw these and thought of you,” Aerith had said with a playful smile, offering them to Tifa.
Tifa had smiled shyly, her heart fluttering. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”
Now they sat together at a corner table, cups of herbal tea in hand. The soft hum of jazz filled the air, the dimmed lights creating a cocoon of intimacy.
Aerith, usually so vibrant and animated, was uncharacteristically quiet. She twirled her spoon absently, her gaze distant.
“You’ve been quiet,” Tifa said gently, leaning forward. “Is something on your mind?”
Aerith hesitated, biting her lip before setting her spoon down. “Do you ever feel like you’re carrying this weight on your shoulders, and no matter how hard you try, you just can’t set it down?”
Tifa nodded, her brow furrowing in concern. “Yeah, I do. Is that how you’re feeling?”
Aerith sighed, her shoulders sagging. “Ballet has been my life for as long as I can remember. And I love it, I really do, but... sometimes it feels like it’s too much. The rehearsals, the performances, the constant pressure to be perfect. My director’s always pushing me, telling me I need to be better, more polished. It’s exhausting.”
“That sounds like a lot to handle,” Tifa saiid softly.
Aerith gave a hollow laugh. “It is. And the worst part is, I don’t even know if I’m doing this for me anymore. I mean, I started dancing because it made me happy, but now... it feels like I’m dancing for everyone else. The critics, the audience, my director. Sometimes I wonder if I’m enough, or if I ever will be.”
Tifa reached across the table, her hand brushing against Aerith’s. “You are more than enough. Anyone who’s seen you dance can see how incredible you are. Don’t let anyone make you doubt that.”
Aerith looked at her, her green eyes shimmering with gratitude. “Thank you, Tifa. That means a lot.”
The moment lingered, heavy with unspoken emotions. Then Aerith leaned back, her gaze dropping to her tea.
“There’s something else,” she admitted, her voice quieter now. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my mom.”
Tifa tilted her head, surprised. “Why? Does she live far away?”
Aerith shook her head. “Not really, just a couple of hours by train. But my schedule’s always so packed. Rehearsals, shows, meetings... there’s never time. And when there is, I’m too exhausted to make the trip.” She paused, her lips twisting in a bittersweet smile. “She always tells me she understands, but I know she misses me. I miss her too.”
Tifa’s chest ached at the vulnerability in Aerith’s voice. “That sounds hard. Have you told her how you feel?”
Aerith nodded slowly. “We talk on the phone, but it’s not the same. I hate feeling like I’m letting her down, you know? She’s been so supportive of me, of my dreams, and I can’t even make time to see her.”
Tifa’s grip on Aerith’s hand tightened slightly. “You’re not letting her down, Aerith. You’re doing your best, and she knows that. But maybe... maybe you should try to find a way to see her soon. Even if it’s just for a day.”
Aerith smiled softly, her fingers curling around Tifa’s. “You’re right. I should.”
The conversation shifted then, Aerith turning her focus to Tifa. “What about you? Have you always wanted to run a café?”
Tifa hesitated, her gaze dropping. “Not exactly. I used to work in corporate. It was stable, well-paying... but it wasn’t me. I felt like I was just going through the motions, stuck in a life that didn’t make me happy.”
“What made you leave?” Aerith asked, curiosity lighting her eyes.
Tifa exhaled slowly. “I had this moment where I just couldn’t do it anymore. I realized I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life feeling trapped. So I quit, took my savings, and started this place. Everyone told me it was a bad idea, but I had to try.”
Aerith leaned closer, her voice gentle. “Was it worth it?”
Tifa gave a small, rueful laugh. “Most of the time, yes. But it’s been tough. There are days I wonder if I made a mistake, if I should’ve stayed where it was safe. But then I think about the people I’ve met, the connections I’ve made, and it feels worth it. Even if it’s not always easy.”
Aerith’s eyes softened, admiration shining in her gaze. “You’re brave, Tifa. It takes a lot to follow your heart like that.”
Tifa shook her head. “I don’t know about brave. Most of the time, I feel like I’m just fumbling through, hoping I don’t mess up too badly.”
“That’s still bravery,” Aerith insisted. “You’re doing something meaningful, something that matters to you. That’s not something everyone can say.”
Tifa’s cheeks warmed under Aerith’s earnest praise. “Thanks. That... means a lot.”
Aerith’s fingers brushed against Tifa’s again, lingering this time. “For what it’s worth, I think you’re amazing. And I’m really glad I met you.”