Their breakfast was simple: two perfectly toasted croissants, still warm from the oven, accompanied by their iced tea, this morning lightly sweetened with a squeeze of Meyer lemon. The tea, a ritual as much as a beverage, was always prepared with the same meticulous care. Eleanor, a former magazine editor with an eye for detail, insisted on using only the freshest lemons, selecting each one with a discerning touch, ensuring just the right balance of tartness and sweetness. Arthur, her longtime friend and fellow editor, would often tease her about her obsession with the perfect cup, a playful banter that underscored their easy intimacy.