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The soft yellow bulbs strung above the narrow restaurant gave the space a perpetual twilight glow. Evening had fallen outside, and the lanterns along the narrow Tokyo street swayed gently in the night air, announcing to passersby that hot meals and warm tea awaited within. But Chloe could not enjoy the quiet charm of the setting.
She was pacing.
Her feet dragged a restless path across the wooden floorboards, moving from one corner of the restaurant to the other like a caged creature. A few tables were empty, the dinner rush not yet in full swing, but Chloe’s chest felt tight, as though every seat in the house were occupied by someone watching her, judging her, recognizing her.
She wrung her hands together, smoothing her apron with nervous movements. Her eyes darted to the door
