I let out a long sigh, got out of bed, and stomped about the room to clear my head. I quickly rummaged through my overnight bag, changed into my customary sleepwear (a tank top and boxer shorts), and headed for the kitchen.

I didn't really want coffee. In the past, I had been a social drinker who enjoyed the chocolaty, non-coffee beverages offered at Starbucks. However, Carl? His demeanor was that of a hardened warrior. Caffeine in the morning was like oxygen to him. My eyes strayed to the frightening machine that sat on the counter next to the stove.

Over the years, I had seen him making coffee, and...