Jamie stood with the mop in her hand, working her way across the last patch of tile in the café. The steady swish of the mop was the only sound in the room, a soft rhythm echoing through the silence.
The stillness was supposed to be peaceful, but instead it filled the space with a low hum of dread. She was tired — bone-deep, soul-heavy tired — and all she wanted was to wrap herself in the comfort of her favorite blanket, sink into her couch, and melt the day away.
Dinner rush had been a chaotic blur. By the time things finally settled, exhaustion clung to her like a second skin. Still, she'd sent her staff home early. They'd worked hard — especially Andre, who never failed to show up for her, even without being asked. He deserved the break. They all did.
Jamie had already made up her mi
