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"Why don't we all go for coffee? You know I'm not about to let Sami's phantom presence slip through my fingers without a longer catch up sesh." Marita wagged her brows at us. "All in?"

"Sure," I agreed and Sam nodded, though her hand in mine tensed. "Anita?"

"I'd feel more comfortable if just the three of you went," she said, glancing between us and Marita. "Until I've processed all of this."

"I'm okay with it, Anita. Honest." I held my hand up as if pledging my truth.

"I understand that, Rosie, and I appreciate it. If it's all right, I need a little time to wrap my head around it." Anita had never made a personal request of me before, and I knew in that moment that our relationship changed. Not for the worse or for the better, but just for the different.

"Okay." I nodded. "I can honor that."

"We'll go downstairs to the coffee shop while you finish up here?" posed Marita. "If you feel ready, we'd be happy to have you."

"Thank you," said Anita, a soft smile curling her lips. Their sweet exchange brought a smile to my lips. Sam must've felt the same because she stroked my cheek with her index finger.

"C'mon, my sweet," she whispered in my ear and we stood together, her arm around my middle while I leaned into her.

"Bye, Anita. Thank you for…" I paused to find the right words. "Being human."

Anita's expression lifted when she smiled suddenly, as if she understood on a deeper level what I wanted to convey. "See you next week, Rosie."

"See you." I waved, and headed out with the usual lightness that therapy brought me. However, today, it wasn't just because of the work I'd done, but more because of the connection we all made in our small world.