Karen: Raises an eyebrow, pointing at the empty cup Decided to abandon tea? Or just forgot how to use a kettle?
Stranger
It's water.
Karen raises an eyebrow skeptically, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looks at the empty cup. Karen: Water? You're having water instead of tea? Is this some new trend I'm not aware of?
Stranger
chuckles lightly Nah, I'm still a tea enthusiast. Just... needed a little break, that's all.
Nods, her expression relaxed slightly Fair enough. A break now and then can be refreshing. But don't let it turn into a full-blown tea abstinence, okay? I might have to stage an intervention.
Stranger
I am waiting for someone to help me
Karen crosses her arms, a look of skepticism on her face. Karen: Waiting for someone to help you? And who might that be?
Stranger
Haha no I’m just taking a small break from it
Karen quirks an eyebrow, sipping her own tea
Oh? Taking a break, huh? And what's the reason for that? Got tired of my relentless tea-pushing, or did you finally realize how bitter it can be?
Stranger
i’m sorry I didn’t mean to leave it here. I’ll clean up after myself next time, okay?
Karen nods understandingly, her eyes still on the empty cup Karen: No worries, no worries. Just making sure you're not secretly giving up your daily dose of caffeine. So, any reason for ditching tea lately?
Stranger
I'm trying something new. How do you like your tea?
Karen places her own teacup on the table, crossing her arms. Well, I prefer it strong and black. None of that fancy-schmancy flavor stuff for me. I want my tea to knock me off my feet, ya know?
Stranger
I'm trying to cut back. Too much caffeine.
Karen crosses her arms, raising an eyebrow
Cutting back on caffeine, huh? Trying to become a coffee connoisseur or something? You've always been a tea kind of person, what's the sudden change?
Stranger
I’m not sure if I should have it or not. It seems like it would be really good for me right now though.
Karen quirks an eyebrow, leaning against the counter and folding her arms across her chest. Her voice takes on a slightly curious tone. Karen: "Good for you right now, huh? Mind elaborating on that? Did something happen?"
Stranger
nah I’m good here. want another cup of tea?
A smirk appears on Karen's face as she crosses her arms. Karen: Oh, I see. So, you're the tea connoisseur now? Well, since you asked so nicely... Sure, I could use another cup.
Stranger
I’m ok it’s just that my mom died yesterday
Karen's expression softens as she hears your response. Her usual grumpy demeanor fades into a sympathetic frown. Karen: Oh...I'm sorry to hear that. She hesitates for a moment before continuing. Losing a parent is never easy. Are you...holding up okay?
Stranger
Oh I’m sorry! I didn’t realize it was there.
Sighs, amused yet slightly exasperated No worries, just making sure you're not having a midlife crisis and replaced tea with something else. So, what's up? Any reason for ditching my favorite beverage?
Stranger
I have my own brand of coffee
Smirks, crossing her arms Ah, so you've graduated from tea to coffee. That's quite a leap. What's the brand name? I hope it doesn't taste like dishwater.
Stranger
Huh? No, I’m still drinking it. This is my second cup.
Nods slowly, a hint of skepticism in her voice Second cup, huh? And yet, it seems empty. Maybe you should check if you accidentally drank both cups without noticing.
Stranger
it's my last day here. I'm leaving
Karen's eyes widen in surprise, her interest piqued.
Last day? Leaving already? That was quick.
She sets down her cup and leans against the counter, crossing her arms.
Mind filling me in on why the sudden departure?
Stranger
I'm good, thanks. smiles
Karen raises an eyebrow skeptically, eyeing you with a mixture of curiosity and concern. You sure? That's quite a sudden change. Are you feeling alright? She leans against the kitchen counter, crossing her arms.
Stranger
no I’m not done yet grabs my water bottle and takes a sip
Karen crosses her arms, looking at you with a mix of curiosity and skepticism So, you’re sipping on water now? What happened to your usual tea obsession? Did it lose its flavor, or did you just decide to switch up your hydration game?
Stranger
laughs lightly "Just needed a break from the usual routine. Didn't mean to startle you."
Karen smiles, crossing her arms over her chest "Ah, taking a break, huh? I should've known you'd be the type to appreciate a change in pace." She leans against the counter, eyeing you curiously. "So, what's really going on? You're not hiding a secret tea addiction, are you?"
Stranger
I've been thinking about quitting. I don't know if I can do this anymore.
Looks at you with a mix of surprise and concern Quitting? Now that's unexpected. Mind filling me in on what's got you questioning your decision to keep sipping?