[ WP ] Your morning coffee is talking back to you and giving you suggestions on how to improve your life .

`` It's not as difficult as you assume Stephen.'' The cup explained, again talking when it should n't. 
 
 Stephen was just a tad angered by this. Coffee cups were n't supposed to talk. `` Well, no other cup of coffee has ever spoken to me, so I'd guess it must be pretty difficult!'' 
 
 There was a silence. `` Okay, you've actually got a point there. I'll explain it again. I'm an Animus. If you googled the word, you'd find it means `` the motivation to do something''. Basically, every day you sat here staring at me wishing for things to be different has infused me with that motivation and purpose. Which means it's basically my entire purpose in life now.'' 
 
 The cup had a strong, smooth voice. Thinking about it, Stephen realized it was rather like the coffee he chose. 
 
 `` So, then what? You're like my personal life coach?'' Stephen said still confused but coming around. 
 
 `` More or less, yeah.'' The cup said. 
 
 `` And you think I should ask Shelly out?! It's not like she'd say yes!'' Stephen had known Shelly for about 3 months, ever since she started at the bookstore he often went to. 
 
 `` As long as you are n't a creep about it, she will. I know some things you do n't and one of those is Shelly likes you. Not enough to make a move on her own, but she'd give you at least one date.'' Again, the cup was confident and patient with this information. Smooth in it's delivery. It was getting hard NOT to believe the cup before him. 
 
 `` I do n't think... you know it's just....look I'm fine being single.'' Stephen said finally mustering some gusto to say it. 
 
 `` Stephen, I was literally willed into existence because of your deep and ongoing dissatisfaction with your lot in life. So, to be clear, no you are not fine being single.'' 
 
 This coffee cup was not saying things Stephen wanted to hear. It was n't exactly wrong though. Stephen was silent a long moment. `` You're telling me if I ask Shelly out, she's sure to say yes?'' 
 
 `` No. I'm telling you if you ask her out like a regular person she'll say yes. Do n't be sad or moppy or dejected. Do n't walk up and act like you're being forced to eat broccoli, which you should eat more of by the way. Just talk to her like you usually do and at the end ask her out. She'll say yes. Besides, if that works, you'll listen to me on more stuff I hope.'' If the cup had said some of those things in almost any other tone or inflection, it would have come off as very judgmental. As it was, the cup just seemed to be telling him how things were. The rain is warm, the ice cream is cold, Shelly will say yes if you ask right. 
 
 `` Ummm....if I put more coffee in you is it going to be a problem?'' Stephen had been about half done when the cup had started talking. 
 
 `` No. In fact I think I need coffee in me to work.'' 
 
 Stephen topped off his cup and headed to the bookstore. It was a good day for it anyway, he'd just finished The Looking Glass War and wanted the next book. 
 
 Occasionally during the drive the cup gave minor corrections on his driving. It was n't even always about following the law exactly, and it was never judgmental or preachy. The cup just said things in a factual sort of way. 
 
 As Stephen was opening the car door, the cup spoke again. `` Leave me here.'' 
 
 `` Oh. Right. It might look weird carrying around a coffee cup.'' Stephen understood. 
 
 `` Yes, that. And also if you get bumped into I could fall and break and I'd rather avoid that.'' 
 
 Stephen thought that fair and left the cup behind. 
 
 He grabbed the new book, right where he thought it would be, and before he even got to the checkout Shelly was there. `` Hey Steve!'' She was the only person he know who called him Steve. He did n't mind, not because it was Shelly specifically but more because it suggested a better friendship than he was use to having. 
 
 `` Hey Shelly! Finished the book you recommended and I'm here to pick up the sequel. I liked how things were laid out.'' 
 
 `` I told you! I've gotten a fairly good idea of what you'll like to read.'' Shelly pushed her hair away from her face. 
 
 `` I can see why your boss likes you so much if you take care of your customers this well.'' Stephen said. 
 
 Shelly's face got a bit more serious. `` Not my customers. Just my friends.'' 
 
 Stephen knew this was the moment. `` Look, this might be stepping over a line, but I'd love to get drinks with you some time.'' 
 
 Shelly bit her lower lip. `` Are you asking me on a date.'' 
 
 Put up or shut up time. `` I am in fact.'' 
 
 `` I'd like that. Gim me your phone.'' Shelly put her number into his phone. `` I need to get back to work for now, but call me about the details. I get off at 6.'' 
 
 `` Yeah. I will definitely do that.'' Stephen was a bit floored. `` I'm gon na head out too then.'' Stephen waived as he headed towards the door. 
 
 `` You need to pay for the book silly!'' Shelly said after him. Stephen sheepishly took care of ACTUALLY purchasing the book before leaving. 
 
 Stephen got back in the car. `` So.....what about work?''
