Zoya Singh

Jonah had always been caring and gentle in nature, he'd lived in Maple his whole life and he wanted to help those in his local community. Even if that was just a coffee or something as simple as a smile. He nodded as she spoke. "I love a hike, been doing them since I was a kid... and well, as you can see, I'm old," he joked, though his legs weren't as forgiving as they had been even a few years ago. "No problem," he smiled. "Why waste a day? I work in the store all week. I allow myself the odd Saturday morning to just, enjoy nature and all that cliche."

Shaking her head, Zoya rolled her eyes slightly at the man she'd known for practically her whole life, sans her 11-year-disappearing act. MC was small enough that virtually everyone knew everyone, regardless of their "station". It was the thing Zoya both loved and hated about her hometown. The sense of community that just seemed to have no bounds. "Jonah, if you're old, I'm the Queen of England. Age is nothing but a number, you know." Tilting her head, she offered a small, teasing smile. "There's nothing wrong with disconnecting every once in a while. I would love to myself. Really, I need to." Shrugging, Zoya shook her head slightly. "Then again, it's damn near impossible to get away from the Inn one day a week, much less a couple, like I'd really need...I digress though." She added as a bit of heat rose to her cheeks. "How have you been, Jonah? Really?"

Kai enjoyed the odd book here and there but he often didn't have the concentration for it. Most of the reading he did was now online. He read so much for his blog and for his own writing that he often didn't feel like reading for fun. But his mom had hinted about some celebrity's autobiography and it made a pretty easy present. He was lost in his thoughts trying to scan the shelves for the book when he noticed the girl. He gave a small laugh. "No, don't be sorry. The laugh thing I would ever want is someone to say sorry for something that makes them happy," he replied with a smile. "That's nice."

The laugh came and Zoya's blush deepened, though she quickly realized she wasn't being teased by the other patron. The addition of their recognition that she was simply excited by her find relaxed her, and she offered a genuine smile in return. "Thank you for understanding." She said, her tone quieter than it had been previously. "I admire that approach, it's a good one to have. Too many people get annoyed by others, and the things they like. It's good to know there are still cool people out there." Glancing back at the book in her hands, her eyes then made their way to her newfound companion's empty ones. "What about you? Just haven't found what you're searching for yet?"

Mish chuckled, taking one of the books from the pile and turning it over to give it a quick scan. She was a book hoarder; a book hoarder did not always equal a good reader. She liked to buy books. She never actually got around to reading them. "No, you're fine, it's nice to see you're passionate." She lifted the book in question up. "I take it you recommend?"

Turning to face the other woman, Zoya's eyes followed as she picked up another copy from the stack between them. Nodding excitedly, she opened the book in her hands before beginning to flip through the pages. Her eyes took in bits and pieces of dialogue, and a few lines of description, before she responded. "I mean, I haven't read this one yet because it just came out, but the author is my absolute favorite. I've not been disappointed by one of her works yet." She added. "I guess it would depend on what you're into, but...What kinds of things do you like to read?"

The sun was out and Jonah didn't want to waste the day. It wouldn't be too much longer until winter hit so he decided to get an early start. He’d closed the store that morning and packed his stuff ready to go for a hike. Fixing his bag on his back, he looked up as he saw someone approaching. “Good morning. I was just about to go for a hike,” he said, pointing in the direction of the old trail. “You interested?”

As always, Zoya had awakened before even the sun. After checking on her daughter, Ella, she slipped into her workout gear and headed out for a quick few laps around the block. Leaving the digital video baby monitor pointed directly at Ella's bed, she ensured her phone was keyed in to the feed before exiting the house. It wasn't as though her daughter was an infant- in fact, she was nearly 12. And, as such, Zoya was certain she wouldn't be waking any time soon- or, even before 10:00 AM. Still, she took all the precautions, just in case. Near the end of her run she spotted a nearby figure, and while it took her a moment to realize he was speaking to her, once she did she made her way over. "A hike sounds amazing, actually!" Zoya replied with a smile before glancing quickly down at her watch. "But...I really shouldn't. Not this morning at least. Someone is waiting for me at home." Smiling, she raised her arms to tighten her loosening pony. "Why the hike so early this morning? You do know it's Saturday right?"