The smell of fresh coffee and baked bread wrapped around me the second I stepped inside the café.
It was the kind of place that looked like it belonged in a movie—strings of fairy lights tangled above the windows, little plants hanging in every corner, the low murmur of conversation filling the cozy space.
Outside, the world buzzed past in its usual chaotic blur.
Inside, it felt like time slowed down.
I needed this.
God, I needed this.
Maya was already tucked into a corner booth when I spotted her, a giant mug of something way too sweet in front of her and a half-eaten croissant on the plate.
She grinned when she saw me, waving so hard she almost knocked her cup over.
I made my way over, sliding into the seat across from her with a heavy sigh that felt like it came from my soul.
“
