Seraiya and Maddie were enjoying lunch at a quaint outdoor café tucked along a cobblestone street. Wrought‑iron tables lined the patio, their curling designs catching the sunlight, while brightly colored umbrellas cast soft patches of shade over the diners. The air was warm, humming with the distant chatter of passersby and the occasional clink of cutlery. The aroma of freshly baked bread drifted from inside the café, blending with the rich scent of strong coffee and the sweetness of flower boxes overflowing with marigolds, petunias, and trailing ivy.
Maddie swung her legs under her chair, taking another bite of her sandwich. "This is really good," she said, cheeks puffed slightly as she chewed, clearly savoring every flavor.
"It's one of my favorite spots," Seraiya replied, her voice so
