Katie made breakfast.

Katie knew her way around the kitchen and quickly whipped up some poached eggs and smashed avocado on toast.

"Bon appétit," said Katie while putting the two plates on her small dining table.

"Wow, this looks amazing," Tom replied, already going in for a bite.

"Maybe I should have made a steak. Who would have thought the school nerd would put on so much muscle?" She took a bite of her toast and grinned, feeling better with some caffeine in her system.

With food in his mouth, Tom explained, "You are smarter than me, and I am the nerd? You would have been on your way doing a Ph .D now if not for..." he stopped mid-sentence.

Katie looked up at Tom and ended his sentence, "if not for my parents dying in a car crash? And me dropping out of college in my junior year?"

"Yeah, I mean, you don't really talk about it," he said sheepishly while playing with his food.

"It's been two years, Tom. What is there to talk about? Since then, I have had to figure things out all on my own, and I can't go back in time to save them. Hopefully, I can make enough to save up and finish my degree, and please don't get on my case about that." Katie stared into space, somewhat disconsolate.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to dredge up the past. You know I am always here if you need me." He tried his best to comfort Katie.

"I know that, Tom, and thank you for getting me this job and always being there for me. It means a lot." Katie said, desperately wanting to change the subject.