67 A Coffee and Memories

The head guard closed the door to her office, the weight of their conversation still lingering in her mind. She leaned against the door, taking a deep breath to steady herself. The magnitude of the task ahead weighed heavily upon her, but she knew she had to press forward. Feeling the need for a moment of respite, she walked over to her small coffee maker nestled in the corner of the room. As she prepared a fresh cup, the aroma of the brewing coffee filled the air, offering a comforting embrace. The head guard closed her eyes, allowing the familiar scent to transport her to another time and place. Her mind drifted back to the early days of her career, a time when she was just a rookie guard, eager to prove herself. It was during that time that she first met her husband, James, a fellow guard who had quickly captured her heart. A gentle smile played upon her lips as she recalled their first encounter. It was a crisp autumn day, and the outside grounds were adorned with vibrant