I grab the orange from the counter, tossing it from my left hand to the right. The small tangerine is soft and cold, giving just a bit when I squeeze it. I look up to the television as a random sitcom plays, then glance down at her. The light filtering through the window panes hits her golden hair, her braid tucked to the side. “Hey, wanna share this orange?” I offer, and she turns to face me.

“You know it,” she says with a smile. I lean into the couch while she stays turned to face me. “Well, are you going to sit down, or what?” She asks. At this, I walk around the tan couch, running my hand along the upholstery. I sit down next to her, our knees touching. I lean towards the coffee table as she watches me paw at the orange. I dig my thumbnail into the orange and begin peeling it. I glance back at her, meeting her eyes, and I can’t help but let a smile creep onto my face. I turn back to the work, letting my hair fall in front of my eyes to cover my blushing. I work the peel off in chunks, slowly progressing.

“Take your time, will ya?” She jokes. A light chuckle escapes my lips as I continue peeling, placing the peel on the coffee table, peeling, repeat. Finally, one large section of peel is left on the orange. I peel it off in one big chunk and toss it on the table. I then run my pointer finger along the meeting of two slices, applying pressure. The tangerine splits evenly and I hold one half in each hand. Realizing I can only have one half in my hand at a time to break the halves, I place one half in my lap as she watches on in silence.

It is not a painful silence, but a peaceful one. We feel so comfortable in each others’ company that we don’t feel the need to fill the silence. All she does is watch on as I peel one slice away from the rest and put it in her hands. 

“Thanks,” She says softly. She puts it into her mouth and I can see exactly how it tastes in her mouth. It’s sweet and juicy and perfect. I peel a slice for me and put it into my mouth as she says, “They are so good, super juicy.” She’s right. 

 As the light hits her golden hair, I think to myself, “Wow, this is incredible.” We’re just sitting on the couch, sharing an orange, and yet everything feels perfect.