#elsewhere

"Nope... they cleared the toxins but the damage remains"

He shakes his head gravely.

"My condolances. I'm so sorry."

"Thank you" they get to the coffee place, doesn't look too crowded

A quick discussion later (inside or outside seating?)and they order; soon, they are settled in to talk.

And they resume "So what do you do, Augustt? I mean, college I'm guessing?"

"Yes. I'm studing law; not sure where it will take me, but it seems a worthy field to study."

"Whew, that's a lot of brainpower to put to work"

"It is hard work."he says modestly.

"And you?"

"Studying law, hoping it will take me to fighting corrupt bureaucracies." Weatherly smiles "But it takes a LOT of brainpowerer"

August smiles. "You're studying law too?"

"Pre Law but yep. "

"Where are you studying?"

"Getting what credits I can from online courses and a communnity collegge here in St. Louis. Got to save the money as long as I can"

August nods; a familiar story. "We're at Willliam Wood." naming a small college about 3 hours away.

"How are they? price wise? " He asks curiously

"More expensive than commuity college." he says honestly. "To be honest, I chose Wood to be at the same school as my wife."

"Wow.. you're married?" He looks over him "Sorry, just most guys our age are ..ah, single and mabye a bit lost"

A shy smile. "If not for her, I would be lost indeed."

"You're a very lucky man" Weatherly admits

"I am." August sips his iced coffee.

"I think, if I'm lucky, I'll find the right woman at 28, beg her for four years, then she hits her thirties and decides she better settle."

He chuckles. "I -never- expected to find someone so.... well, anything can happen."

"Gives me hope" Weatherly nods

"Do you want to go all the way with the law? To the bar, I mean, and practice?"

"I'd like to become an atorney who helps the little guy against the powes that be. If I can keep my idealism that lonn"

August tilts his head. "That... is my goal as well. This is ... quite a coincidence....."

"Little bit errie" He admits

August sips his coffee. "You mentioned that you were worried your mother might have snuck into the hospital; is.... that is, it can't have been easy for her."

"Never is" he admits

"She... doesn't visit?"

"oh she does, but it's nnever easy, it wrecks her"

August nods. "I can see why."

"She comes home looking drained"

"Really?"

A thoughtful sip.

"Hospitals can be emotionally draining, and with your family's situation, perhaps all the moreso."

"Yeah" A sip

"Weatherly, it's been very nice to meet you but I'm afraid I need to get going. Thank you for the coffee."

"You'rre welcome. Hey, can I have your phone number?" A frown "I ..maybe invitin you to a funeral"

August nods slowly, and gives it. "If you'll text me, I'll save yours so I know when you call."

"I will"

"Thank you." He offers his hand again.

Weatherly shakes it, and tthey part

August heads back to his car, pulling out his phone to text as he does. TXT: Coradel, I would like to meet and talk. Where are you?

After a text exchange, August moves to his car with purpose, and heads back to Jefferson City.

Traffic is a bit thicker

He is a careful and conscientious driver; if it takes a little longer, it takes a little longer.

Naturally, this means some divers hate him