Chapter 67 - meant to be

67

Heather

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me as I tied the apron around my waist, preparing for the morning rush at the cafe. Working here these past months had become comforting in its routine - the hiss of the espresso machine, regular customers chatting over their usual orders, the clink of dishes and murmur of easy conversation.

In this quaint space I could almost convince myself I was just an ordinary woman, with an ordinary life. No tangled threads to unravel, no questions without answers, no nameless longing in my heart for someone lost to me.

"Morning Heather!" Aria chirped as she breezed in, all youthful energy and bounce. "Ready for the breakfast crowd?"

I smiled warmly at my coworker, her cheerful demeanor proving contagious as always. "Ready as I'll ever be. Let's get that coffee brewing for our hungry patrons."

We worked in sync, she preparing pastries while I arranged mugs and dishes. As the cafe owner, I get to work both in the office to take care of thi