The sun had barely crept over the horizon when Kieran left his apartment, a coffee in one hand and his phone in the other. He had planned to meet Clara for breakfast at the small café they liked downtown, the one with the large windows that let the morning light spill across the tables. He liked how calm the place felt early in the day, how no one seemed to be in a rush yet.
He had sent her a quick text while walking, “On my way, see you soon.”
When he arrived, the café was quiet, a few early risers scattered at tables, sipping drinks and scrolling through their phones. He spotted Clara immediately, sitting near the window, her hair tied back loosely, a scarf draped over her shoulders. She looked up at the sound of the door opening, and he smiled.
“Hey,” he said, sliding into the chair
