Emily's POV
The bell jingled above the coffee shop door as I stepped inside, letting the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries wrap around me like a hug. My mood instantly lifted, and I couldn't help but hum a little tune under my breath. It was my first day back after Thanksgiving and my birthday, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I actually felt... okay.
"Morning, boss!" I chirped, spotting Martha behind the counter.
The older woman looked up from the till, her glasses perched precariously on her nose. She smiled warmly. "Emily, darling, you're chipper this morning. Sleep well?"
"Not even a little," I admitted with a laugh, grabbing my apron from the hook. "But I've got coffee for that."
Martha chuckled, her laugh as warm and soothing as the shop
