Mid‑afternoon brought a quiet stretch between crowds. The part‑time helper named Jake had finished his assigned tasks and came over near where Elara was arranging the beverage display. He had worked there long enough to remember how things used to be. He leaned against the shelf lightly and spoke in a normal curious tone.
“Can I ask something?” he said quietly. “I noticed you and Cole act pretty different lately. You never talk about anything outside work anymore. You do not hand things over quickly or lean close like before. Did something change with the rules or with how you two get along.”
Elara kept her hands moving steadily while she answered. She used the plain agreed‑upon line they had practiced just in case. “Nothing personal at all. We are following new store guidelines about ke
