The bell above the door chimed as Ava walked in. She moved behind the counter, hanging her bag on the usual hook. She tied her apron, smoothed down her uniform, and turned around, but her eyes didn’t quite focus.
Tessy wiped a glass with a cloth, watching her closely. She’d been noticing it for days now. Ava was there physically, taking orders, making drinks, smiling at customers, but her mind was somewhere else entirely.
“Hey,” Tessy said, sliding the clean glass onto the shelf. “You alive in there, or did you leave your brain at home again?”
Ava blinked, looking up like she was surprised to see anyone standing there. She offered a small, weak smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Yeah. I’m here. Just… tired.”
“Tired?” Tessy snorted, leaning against the counter, crossing her arms.
“Y
